On Georgia’s Independence Day, rather than celebrations marking the 106th anniversary of the nation’s autonomy, the country’s streets and political arenas were filled with tensions over a divisive piece of legislation that has sparked widespread protest and international concern. The law in question, which requires media and non-governmental organizations to register as “carrying out the interests of a foreign power” if they receive more than 20% of their budget from abroad, has been met with significant resistance from both Georgian citizens and global entities.
The confrontation reached a new peak with President Salome Zourabichvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze openly trading criticisms over the measure at the independence ceremony. President Zourabichvili, having vetoed the bill on May 18, warned of the damage such a law could do to the nation’s pursuit of European Union membership and peace, stating, “Those who sabotage and undermine this path trample upon and damage the peaceful and secure future of our country, hindering the path towards becoming a full member of the free and democratic world.”
Prime Minister Kobakhidze, in turn, accused the president of betrayal, defending the legislation and his party’s intentions to maintain peace in Georgia amidst existential threats. These sharp exchanges reflect the escalating rift between the two leaders, and the deeper unease that has gripped Georgian society.
Protests have been a frequent sight in Tbilisi, the capital, where the European Union’s foreign policy arm has expressed that “the adoption of this law negatively impacts Georgia’s progress on the EU path.” This concern is echoed by the United States, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken announcing visa restrictions on Georgian officials accused of “undermining democracy in Georgia” and expressing hope that Georgia’s leaders will reconsider the draft law.
The U.S. Secretary of State also highlighted the law’s resemblance to Russian legislation, a comparison that has led critics to dub it “the Russian law.” This label underscores fears of Georgia potentially sliding back into Moscow’s sphere of influence, a particularly sensitive issue in the light of the country’s fraught history with its powerful neighbor, which includes the brief war in 2008 over the breakaway provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
It’s not just political leaders and international allies who have expressed concerns; the Georgian public has shown remarkable tenacity in protesting the bill. Despite the Georgian Dream party’s majority in parliament, which could easily override the presidential veto, the protestors remain steadfast in their opposition, highlighting their commitment to democratic principles and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
The ruling party insists that the bill is about transparency and has brushed off the criticism as an infringement of Georgia’s sovereignty. However, the bill’s detractors believe its true intent is to stigmatize organizations and suppress debate, especially as parliamentary elections loom in October. These elections are viewed as pivotal for the country’s future direction.
Relevant articles:
– Georgians continue protests over media freedom law on Independence Day , Mississippi Valley Publishing, 05/27/2024
– Georgian PM, president trade criticism over media freedom law, Voice of America – VOA News, 05/26/2024
– operation with Georgia over ‘foreign agent’ law, BBC.com, 05/24/2024
– Protests In Georgia As MPs Set To Override Veto On ‘Foreign Influence’ Law, Barron’s, 05/24/2024
– Georgia’s president vetoes media legislation that has provoked weeks of protests, Yahoo Singapore News, 05/24/2024
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