TBILISI: Georgia’s parliament on Tuesday passed a controversial “foreign influence” law that has sparked weeks of mass protests against the measure, which Brussels has warned would undermine Tbilisi’s European aspirations.
Lawmakers voted 84 to 30 in favor of passing the bill in its third and final reading, triggering scuffles inside the chamber between opposition MPs and members of the ruling Georgian Dream party. Riot police clashed with protesters outside the parliament building in Tbilisi, where demonstrations have continued for over a month.
Critics of the legislation argue that it reflects Georgia’s increasing alignment with Russia and fear that it signals a departure from the country’s pro-Western trajectory. The bill requires NGOs and media outlets receiving over 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as entities “pursuing the interests of a foreign power,” mirroring repressive laws used by Russia to stifle dissent.
The passage of the law has sparked outrage among Georgians, with around 2,000 protesters rallying outside parliament chanting “No to the Russian law.” The demonstrations, which peaked on Saturday with up to 100,000 participants, represent the largest anti-government protests in recent Georgian history.
The European Union and the United States have condemned the legislation, warning that it undermines Georgia’s efforts to align with Western democratic norms. The EU reiterated its position that the law jeopardizes Georgia’s path towards EU membership, with a decision on formal accession talks expected later this year.
President Salome Zurabishvili has vowed to veto the bill, but Georgian Dream holds enough parliamentary seats to override her decision. Critics accuse the ruling party of stifling dissent and accuse its leader, Bidzina Ivanishvili, of promoting anti-Western rhetoric and conspiracy theories.
The passage of the law comes ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for later this year, heightening political tensions in the country. Many protesters view the upcoming elections as an opportunity to vote out Georgian Dream, which has been in power since 2012, in favor of a government that aligns more closely with European values.
