Well, well, well! It seems Georgia is in a bit of a pickle, isn’t it? The governing party, Georgian Dream, is having a bit of an identity crisis – one minute flirting with the European Union, and the next, cozying up to Vladimir Putin like they’re planning a weekend getaway in Moscow. Come on, guys! Pick a side! It’s like trying to decide whether you’re a cat person or a dog person – you can’t just wag your tail and purr at the same time!
Now, let’s talk about this delightful new law on “foreign influence.” It reads like Putin’s playbook was photocopied and distributed with a side of bad coffee. I mean, media and NGOs have to declare themselves as organizations pursuing the interests of a foreign power if they get more than 20% of their funding from abroad? That’s crazy! If that were a standard here, half of social media influencers would have to declare they were working for foreign powers every time they dropped a sponsored post about skin cream!
A Feeling of Betrayal
This law didn’t just slip in through the back door; it crash-landed in full view like a confused pigeon in a fancy restaurant! Remember when a similar bill was presented in 2023 and promptly yanked back after two days? You’d think they’d learnt their lesson! But nope, it’s back again, like that unwelcome ex who just won’t take the hint. And the ruling party has the audacity to justify it with “transparency in public life.” Yeah, right! Transparency as in – “We’ll be watching you harder than your mum at a school play.”
Meanwhile, Georgia’s population is having a meltdown. They’re waving EU flags in the streets and turning their angst into a grand protest spectacle, making it look like the world’s angriest flash mob. Can you blame them? With 80% of Georgians dreaming of European integration, they’re feeling rather betrayed, like opening a box of chocolates only to find it filled with Brussels sprouts!
A Pro-Russian Oligarch on the Move
And who’s piloting this bizarre ride? None other than Bidzina Ivanishvili, the pro-Russian, billionaire oligarch. He’s back in the saddle, and his recent speeches are about as subtle as a sledgehammer! Taking shots at the West, calling them “world war parties,” and slamming “LGBT propaganda” as a threat to Georgia’s family values? Oh dear, someone pick up the mom jeans and put them away, we don’t need that kind of vintage in 2023!
Throw in some repressive arrests and a shindig of demonstrations, and you’ve got yourself one explosive cocktail of civic unrest! The Georgian people are rallying to express their discontent and demand change, proving that when you’ve had enough of the oligarchic shenanigans, it’s time to get to the polls. And, oh boy, those upcoming elections on October 26 are going to be quite the spectacle. Think of it as a gladiatorial arena, but with more pamphlets and fewer lions!
In summary, Georgia is walking a tightrope over a pit of angry protests, pro-European aspirations, and a healthy dose of oligarchic madness. Will they find their balance? Or will they topple into the arms of the bear? One thing’s for sure – it’s going to be one heck of a show. Buckle up, friends; it’s going to be a bumpy ride!
[Marie-Nadine Eltchaninoff]
The recent enactment of a controversial law in Georgia, perceived as a blatant infringement on civil liberties, is pushing the nation closer to Russia, raising serious concerns among its predominantly pro-European populace. This legislation has sparked widespread protests across the country, signaling a growing discontent with the government’s trajectory.
For several years, the ruling party in Georgia, known as Georgian Dream, has oscillated between a stated desire to strengthen ties with the European Union and a tacit alignment with Moscow. However, the passage of the law on “foreign influence” in June has clarified this position, indicating a definitive pivot towards Russia. This Eastern European nation, home to 3.5 million people, has had 20% of its territory occupied by Russian forces since the conflict in 2008, making this legislative shift particularly alarming.
The law mandates that any media outlet or NGO receiving more than 20% of its funding from foreign sources must register as an “organization pursuing the interests of a foreign power.” This requirement is anticipated to lead to heavy administrative burdens and financial repercussions designed to silence dissenting voices and curtail independent journalistic expression. Observers fear this will mark the beginning of a systematic crackdown on media freedoms in the country.
A feeling of betrayal
The initial proposal of this law was submitted to the Georgian parliament in early 2023, only to be retracted within 48 hours in response to vigorous public outcry. However, the government brought it back in a slightly altered form in the spring. Despite a veto from pro-European President Salomé Zourabichvili, whose role is largely ceremonial, the law ultimately passed, seeming to prioritize political expediency over public sentiment. The ruling party’s justification for the law, framed as a means to enhance transparency in public life, has been met with skepticism and outright disdain from citizens.
Public sentiment reflects a deep disillusionment with the law, which many believe undermines the country’s aspirations for a European future—a goal which, according to recent polls, 80% of Georgians embrace, particularly among the youth who are steadfastly committed to national sovereignty. The initial optimism sparked by Georgia’s candidate status for EU membership in 2023 is now overshadowed by fears of dashed hopes, especially after Josep Borrell, head of EU diplomacy, declared the foreign influence law as “incompatible with the values of the European Union.”
Throughout the legislative review process, thousands of Georgians took to the streets, passionately demonstrating against the government’s direction. They erected barricades outside Parliament and waved European flags, collectively voicing their profound sense of betrayal and yearning for a democratic future.
A pro-Russian oligarch on the move
The ruling Georgian Dream party, in power since 2012, previously claimed to support closer ties with the West, including the EU and NATO, while simultaneously maintaining its relationship with Russia. Georgian Dream was established by pro-Russian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, who recently resumed his position as the party’s president, further solidifying suspicions about the party’s actual intentions.
During a counter-demonstration orchestrated by the government on April 29 in Tbilisi, Ivanishvili openly criticized the West, labeling it a “world war party,” and attacked the perceived threat of “LGBT propaganda” to Georgia’s traditional values. His inflammatory remarks preceded the introduction of a bill aimed at banning “LGBT propaganda in education and in the media,” an initiative closely modeled on similar legislation in Russia.
The wave of repression and arrests that characterized the spring protests has failed to quell the determination of the Georgian populace in their fight for democratic values. With the legislative elections scheduled for October 26, the opposition is gearing up to convey their demand for change through the ballot, amidst an increasingly tense political landscape.
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**Interview with Political Analyst, Dr. Nino Shalikashvili**
**Host:** Welcome to our program, Dr. Shalikashvili. It’s great to have you here to discuss the recent developments in Georgia regarding the controversial “foreign agents” law. Can you start by explaining what this legislation entails and its implications for civil society in Georgia?
**Dr. Shalikashvili:** Thank you for having me! The law requires any NGO or media outlet that receives more than 20% of its funding from abroad to register as a “foreign agent.” This is obviously concerning for civil society, as it puts an enormous administrative burden on these organizations, potentially leading to a chilling effect where they feel pressured to self-censor or restrict their activities for fear of being labeled as foreign influence agents.
**Host:** It seems this law has triggered significant public unrest. How are Georgians reacting to this new requirement?
**Dr. Shalikashvili:** The reactions have been overwhelmingly negative. Since the law’s enactment, we’ve witnessed large-scale protests in various cities. Many citizens feel betrayed, especially given Georgia’s historical aspirations to join the EU, which over 80% of the population supports. This law is seen not just as an infringement on their rights but as a clear shift towards Russia, undermining their long-standing European integration goals.
**Host:** You mentioned a sense of betrayal among the population. Why do you think this law is resonating so strongly with the people of Georgia right now?
**Dr. Shalikashvili:** The law feels like a significant regression. Just last year, there was a strong movement against a similar proposal that was quickly withdrawn due to public outcry. So, the swift reintroduction of this legislation has reignited trust issues between the government and its citizens. Many feel that instead of pursuing reforms and closer ties with Europe, the government is aligning itself more closely with authoritarian regimes, which is deeply disappointing, especially for the youth who see their future tied to European values.
**Host:** With the upcoming elections on October 26, what do you think the impact of this law will be on the political landscape in Georgia?
**Dr. Shalikashvili:** This election period will be crucial. The dissatisfaction with the current government could galvanize voters who wish to redirect the country’s path back towards Europe. However, the ruling party’s control over media narratives and the suppression of dissent through this law could challenge opposition groups. It’s definitely setting the stage for what could be a turbulent electoral season.
**Host:** Lastly, Dr. Shalikashvili, do you foresee any possible outcomes or solutions to the situation Georgia currently faces?
**Dr. Shalikashvili:** It’s a complex situation. If the protests continue and gain traction, we could see a real shift in public sentiment that could pressure the government to reconsider its stance. However, if the ruling party maintains its grip on power by stifling dissent, we might see a long-term erosion of democratic freedoms. The international community’s support for Georgian civil society will be essential in the coming months, as external pressure can sometimes lead to internal change.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Shalikashvili, for shedding light on this important issue. It’s clear that Georgia stands at a crossroads, and all eyes are on the unfolding developments.
**Dr. Shalikashvili:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue to engage on these issues, as they profoundly affect not only Georgia but also the broader geopolitical landscape.
