Georgia president vetoes ‘foreign agent’ law
The president of Georgia has rejected a contentious “foreign agent” law, which has triggered extensive street protests over the past few weeks.
On Tuesday, lawmakers passed this controversial legislation, mandating NGOs and independent media receiving over 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as entities “representing the interests of a foreign authority.”
Salome Zourabichvili denounced the law, stating that it is fundamentally reminiscent of Russian policies and hinders Georgia’s progress toward EU membership.
However, her veto holds only symbolic significance, as the ruling Georgian Dream party led by the prime minister possesses adequate parliamentary support to override it through another vote.
During a televised address aired on Saturday, the president asserted the legality of her veto, emphasizing that the law should be completely withdrawn rather than amended or refined.
Zourabichvili, who opposes Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, was widely anticipated to veto the legislation. Meanwhile, Kobakhidze has urged young demonstrators to nominate at least ten representatives to participate in a public dialogue with him concerning the contentious law.
According to The Interpressnews agency reported on Friday, he said: “I am ready to not only listen to their critical remarks but in specific cases, share them. I expect the same attitude from youths.”
Critics say the law is inspired by authoritarian legislation neighboring Russia uses to crush dissent.
Georgia was granted EU candidate status in December 2023, and some are concerned that the law will derail the country’s path to EU membership.
Conditions for membership involve candidate countries implementing anti-corruption reforms, increasing government transparency, and promoting civil society.
Massive rallies against the bill have gripped the Caucasus country for nearly a month. Photos and footage posted online in recent days appeared to show violent altercations between protesters and police.
