Georgian lawmakers debate veto on divisive foreign influence bill

Summary

Georgian lawmakers are debating a controversial “foreign agents” legislation that has sparked protests. The bill requires media and NGOs to register as “foreign agents” if they receive over 20% funding from abroad. Critics say it restricts media freedom and hinders EU aspirations. President Zourabichvili vetoed the bill, accusing the ruling party of jeopardizing the country’s future. Despite government claims of combating harmful foreign actors, many see the law as a tool to stigmatize and silence dissent. Western powers, including the EU and the US, have expressed concerns, with the EU warning of negative impacts on Georgia’s EU path. The bill’s opponents, including the United National Movement, argue it aligns Georgia with Russian interests, a claim denied by the ruling party. Protests have erupted, with citizens demanding a choice between Europe and Russia, highlighting the nation’s complex geopolitical dynamics.

Relations between Russia and Georgia have been tense since Georgia’s independence, culminating in a brief war in 2008. The regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia remain key points of contention, despite recent diplomatic improvements. The fate of the bill and its implications for Georgia’s future remain uncertain.