Georgia's Controversial 'Foreign Agents' Law Causes International Outcry

Despite widespread domestic protests and disapproval from Western governments, Georgia's parliament passed a law on Tuesday that restricts the operations of foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the country. This law could potentially jeopardize Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union and NATO.

Georgia's President's Veto Overruled

Salome Zourabichvili, the President of Georgia, has promised to veto the law. However, the parliament passed the law with an 84-30 majority, surpassing the 76 votes needed to override a veto. Following the law's approval, Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden's Press Secretary, expressed her concern to reporters, stating that the US is deeply troubled by Georgia's 'foreign agents' legislation, which is contrary to democratic values and could drive Georgia away from the principles of the European Union and NATO.

Implications of the New Law

The new law in Georgia, which is similar to one previously enacted in Russia, requires organizations that receive more than 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as 'agents of foreign influence', or face fines. Western governments have often dismissed the idea, but NGOs have been significant conduits of Western interference in foreign countries, even leading to regime changes. NGOs have played varying roles in the 'Colour revolutions' in Georgia, Ukraine, and Kyrgyzstan. Interestingly, reinforcing the notion that the law could prevent foreign interference, Michael Roth, the German Foreign Affairs Committee chairman, and Zhigimantas Pavillionis, a Lithuanian legislator, visited the protest rally outside the parliament.

Public Outcry and Protests

Over the past few months, Georgia has witnessed large-scale protests against the law, with university students playing a significant role. On Monday, students from 30 different colleges in the country declared 'strikes' and joined demonstrations condemning 'the Russian law'. Polls suggest that as many as 89% of Georgians support EU membership to some degree. However, most of these polls appear to be organized by NGOs like the National Democratic Institute and International Republican Institute. Demonstrators often wave EU flags and even played the EU anthem at a protest on Tuesday. Unfortunately, the protests have occasionally turned violent, with police resorting to tear gas, water cannons, and clubs.

Impact on Georgia's European Ambitions

Peter Stano, a spokesman for the European Commission, echoed the White House's concerns about the law's impact on Georgia's potential EU membership. He warned that the law could significantly hinder Georgia's European aspirations. The ruling coalition in the parliament is led by the Georgian Dream party. On Tuesday, the party's main benefactor, Bidzina Ivanishvili, declined to meet with German and US officials who sought to persuade him to intervene and prevent the vote.

What Lies Ahead?

The parliament now has 10 days to present the bill to President Zourabichvili. She then has two weeks to issue her promised veto, which is likely to be overridden. The situation will then become more complex as foreign-funded NGOs will have to comply with the registration requirement or halt their operations. It remains to be seen how the US will respond to this development.

Closing Thoughts

This controversial law has sparked a heated debate about the role of foreign influence in domestic affairs. It raises questions about the balance between national sovereignty and international cooperation. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think this law is a step in the right direction for Georgia, or does it pose a threat to its democratic values and international relations? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing which is every day at 6 pm.