Authorities in Georgia Reconsider Security Measures, Reviving Legislation on Foreign Agents
In a controversial move, the Georgian Dream coalition has once more proposed a legislation reminiscent of Russia's, which potentially threatens independent voices in Georgia. Dubbed the "foreign agents" bill, the text is remarkably similar to the one withdrawn in 2023 after triggering widespread protests throughout the country.
This bill, reintroduced on April 3, would require organizations receiving more than 20% of their annual budget from foreign sources to be labeled as actively pursuing foreign interests. Failure to adhere could result in hefty fines, sparking concerns among critics that it serves as a tool for the government to silence NGO activists, media outlets, and watchdogs scrutinizing officials. They argue that its enactment would foster an authoritarian system akin to Russia, where such a law has been used to quell civic liberties.
The Georgian Dream asserted that the law addresses transparency issues among NGOs and media outlets, with party leader Mamuka Mdinaradze stating the "lack of transparency... poses a significant challenge to state security" upon bill introduction.
Opposition politicians were quick to slam the bill. Teona Akubardia, an MP and member of the Reforms Group, declared it "takes us back to the past," while Ana Tsitlidze of the United National Movement argued, "Ivanishvili's party and Georgian Dream's European integration bid are incompatible."
This reintroduced bill belongs to a string of illiberal policy decisions taken by the Georgian government that could jeopardize the country's EU membership aspirations. Although Brussels gave its approval for Georgia's candidacy late last year, it attached conditions such as the implementation of reforms to safeguard free speech and other basic rights. Just last week, the government unveiled plans for constitutional changes discriminating against LGBTQ+ Georgians.
The EU delegation in Georgia did not immediately respond to Eurasianet's request for comment on the bill.
While initial protests against the bill led to its withdrawal in 2023, this year may present a more resilient government. Kornely Kakachia of the Georgian Institute of Politics pointed out that the foreign agent bill could mobilize undecided or passive voters and galvanize the opposition. However, he added that a more confrontational stance from Georgia could result from mass protests, potentially threatening the regime's longevity.
The Georgian Dream's recent statement after the bill's introduction suggests a hardened stance and an understanding of the backlash from the 2023 bill. The party labeled its critics as members of the "radical opposition," which it claims sought to disturb Georgia's natural political discourse. In its statement, the party asserted that the law would protect Georgia from "artificial attempts to create instability."
The proposed "foreign agents" bill, reintroduced on April 3, and its potential to silence NGO activists, media outlets, and watchdogs scrutinizing officials sparks concerns about fostering an authoritarian system similar to Russia. This bill, if enacted, could jeopardize Georgia's EU membership aspirations, particularly in regards to safeguarding free speech and other basic rights – conditions attached by Brussels to Georgia's candidacy approval last year.
