Georgia Overrides Presidential Veto on Controversial 'Foreign Agents' Law Amidst Ongoing Protests

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
28/05/2024 23h45

In a significant development, Georgian lawmakers have voted to override President Salome Zourabichvili's veto of the controversial "foreign agents" legislation, sparking further unrest in the country. This legislation has been the cause of widespread protests in the capital city of Tbilisi and has received criticism from Western governments.

The "foreign agents" law would require media outlets and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "pursuing the interests of a foreign power." This move is seen by opponents as a means to curb media freedom and hinder Georgia's chances of joining the European Union.

With a vote of 84 to 4, lawmakers swiftly discarded the president's veto and pushed the bill forward. Notably, most opposition MPs boycotted the vote by walking out of the chamber, expressing their disagreement.

The legislation, initially proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party in April, has faced backlash not only within Georgia but globally as well. The European Union, United Nations, NATO, and the United States have all harshly criticized the bill. Washington has even announced travel sanctions in response to the measure.

The European Union, particularly concerned about the adoption of the law, expressed deep regret and highlighted that they are considering all options to respond to these developments. The US State Department also voiced disappointment, stating that Georgia's leaders are forsaking the steps necessary to align with the Western direction desired by its people.

President Zourabichvili, a vocal critic of the governing party, vetoed the bill on May 18. In an interview with DW, she accused Georgian Dream of diverting the country from its European path and endangering its future. Zourabichvili emphasized the importance of Georgia continuing on its trajectory towards Europe.

Supporters of the legislation argue that it is essential for ensuring transparency and thwarting potentially harmful foreign actors seeking to destabilize the country. However, opponents have branded the bill as "the Russian law" due to its resemblance to measures implemented by Moscow to suppress independent media and dissent. Critics also claim that the law is designed to appease the Kremlin and restrict media freedoms ahead of Georgia's parliamentary elections in October.

The passing of the bill has escalated tensions on the streets of Tbilisi, where thousands of people gathered outside parliament with Georgian and EU flags in protest. Demonstrations have been ongoing for over a month, with frequent clashes between protestors and law enforcement officers. The situation is described as fragile and volatile, as the youth, Gen Z, and grassroots movements lead a national resistance against the government's actions, expressing concerns about the country's reputation and its relationship with the West.

As Georgia persists with the implementation of the divisive "foreign agents" law, the repercussions on media freedom, democratic values, and the country's international standing remain subjects of intense scrutiny and debate.

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