Thousands of Georgians in their late teens and early twenties have been staging protests in the capital city of Tbilisi for the past ten days, bringing traffic to a standstill. The protestors are demanding the government to abandon plans for a controversial bill known as the “foreign agent” law. The proposed law would require NGOs and independent media receiving more than 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as organizations with interests aligned with foreign powers.
These protests highlight concerns regarding the erosion of democratic values and civil liberties in Georgia. Critics argue that the bill is inspired by authoritarian legislation in neighboring Russia that is used to suppress dissenting voices. They fear that the proposed law might be utilized to silence critical voices ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
European leaders have cautioned once morest the adoption of the foreign agents law, stating that it is incompatible with European norms and values. The EU, in particular, views the implementation of this law as detrimental to Georgia’s European ambitions. Georgia was granted EU candidate status in December 2023, and maintaining a commitment to democratic principles is crucial for progress toward EU membership.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and his government argue that the bill is intended to ensure transparency and distance Georgia from Russia. They reject the notion that the legislation undermines European values or that it has any connection to Russia. However, many protestors believe that the bill is suppressing civil society and serving Russia’s interests by shifting Georgia away from its European trajectory.
The implications of this bill extend beyond Georgia, with similar legislation passed in neighboring countries like Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan. These laws have resulted in negative impacts on civil society, human rights defenders, and the media in those nations.
The debate surrounding the bill has also been marred by disinformation and alleged foreign interference. Pro-Kremlin Facebook pages have been spreading claims that the West is behind the protests, fueling the narrative of a planned coup orchestrated by the US ahead of the parliamentary elections.
These events in Georgia reflect broader global trends, where autocratic states seek to tighten control over civil society and suppress opposition voices. It is crucial for democratic nations to monitor and support countries like Georgia in their struggle to maintain democratic values and protect civil liberties.
In the future, we may witness a further polarization between states aligned with democratic principles and those gravitating toward authoritarian models. These tensions might have implications on regional stability and international relations, with strategic alliances being reshaped based on ideological orientations.
As a recommendation, the international community should continue to engage with Georgia to promote democratic reforms, safeguard human rights, and support the development of civil society. It is essential to counter disinformation and foreign interference, allowing the people of Georgia to freely express their opinions and participate in the democratic process without fear of repression.
