Tbilisi, Georgia – For the past week and a half, the streets of Tbilisi have been filled with thousands of young Georgians rallying against a proposed bill that has sparked fears of authoritarian influence in the country. The bill, known as the “foreign agent” law, has ignited daily protests that show no signs of dying down.
The controversial bill, passed by parliament in its first reading on April 17, has raised concerns among demonstrators that it could be used to suppress dissent and stifle critical voices, particularly in the run-up to the upcoming parliamentary elections. With echoes of similar legislation in Russia, protesters fear that Georgia’s democratic progress and aspirations for EU membership could be at risk if the bill becomes law.
The ruling party, Georgian Dream, argues that the bill is necessary for transparency and to prevent foreign interference in Georgia’s internal affairs. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has stood by the legislation, accusing NGOs of attempting to incite unrest and undermine traditional values. However, opposition figures and civil society representatives view the bill as a veiled attempt to silence critics and shift Georgia’s allegiances away from Europe and towards Russia.
European leaders have warned that the proposed bill is incompatible with European values, further complicating Georgia’s path towards EU membership. President Salome Zourabichvili has questioned the motives behind the government’s push for the law, raising concerns over potential external influences on the decision-making process.
Despite government assurances that the bill is not aligned with Russian interests, protesters remain adamant in their opposition, viewing the legislation as a pivotal moment for Georgia’s future direction. The streets of Tbilisi continue to be filled with demonstrators demanding transparency, accountability, and a commitment to European principles.
As tensions escalate and divisions deepen, the fate of the “foreign agent” law hangs in the balance, with Georgians grappling with questions of sovereignty, democracy, and the enduring struggle for political freedom.