Georgia enacting authoritarian-leaning foreign agents law

Georgia's Struggle: The Controversial "Foreign Agents" Law

After disregarding warnings from US and EU leaders and ignoring massive street protests, Georgia finds itself in a precarious situation. The ruling Georgian Dream party has pushed forward with a contentious "foreign agents" law on May 14,despite criticism suggesting it could be twisted to undermine scrutiny of government officials and suppress criticism. This law requires organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "foreign agents."

Opponents argue that this legislation could be used to stifle dissent, while the Georgian Dream party maintains it promotes transparency about funding sources for non-governmental organizations and independent media outlets.

As the law awaits the president's signature, the country may be braced for a period of heightened tension, with neither the government nor the youth-led opposition showing signs of backing down as Georgia approaches its parliamentary elections in the fall.

Kornely Kakachia, director of the Georgian Institute of Politics, comments on the Georgian Dream party's limited options. "Either they go for full consolidation of authoritarianism, which will not be easy in a country like Georgia, especially under international and internal pressure, or they have to back off," Kakachia states.

Given the loss of moral legitimacy in Georgians' eyes, it is unlikely the party will retreat. In fact, EU representatives have made unsuccessful attempts to negotiate with Georgian government officials, though have stopped short of stating that enacting the foreign agents law will terminate Georgia's EU candidacy.

Michael Roth, chairman of the German Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed his view in Tbilisi on May 13, stating that he sees no chance to reopen negotiation chapters with the law in effect.

Georgia's Western partners are anticipated to step up the pressure on Tbilisi in the coming weeks, with one powerful tool being a rumored sanctions package targeting Georgian Dream founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili.

Meanwhile, protesters in Tbilisi and beyond seem to find themselves on a narrow path forward. Once the law is enforced, many civil society organizations that have pledged to not comply may face pressure to cease operations. A crucial step to take note of is any signs of dissension within the Georgian Dream party, suggesting potential weaknesses in their hold on power.

Enrichment Insights:

Democratic Backsliding: The law could lead to increased authoritarianism and cronyism by suppressing dissenting voices in Georgia.
Civil Unrest: The legislation's passage may result in heightened tensions and civil unrest, particularly if the presidential veto is overridden.
International Isolation: Georgia may face increased diplomatic pressure and isolation from Western partners, potentially affecting its integration into European and NATO structures.
Sanctions and Diplomatic Pressure: If the law is enacted, the US and EU might impose sanctions or diplomatic pressure on Georgia, including travel bans on key figures and limitations on economic cooperation.
Strained Relations: The passage of the law could potentially damage relations with Western allies, impacting economic aid, military cooperation, and strategic partnerships like "Noble Partner" exercises.
Loss of International Support: Georgia may lose support from international organizations and donors, potentially affecting its economy and development projects.

If the Georgian Dream party overrides the veto, the country may experience significant internal turmoil and international repercussions, deepening Georgia's democracy crisis.

The controversial foreign agents law in Georgia, despite criticism suggesting it could be twisted to undermine scrutiny of government officials and suppress criticism, may lead to increased political tension amidst the looming parliamentary elections.
As the Georgian Dream party maintains that the law promotes transparency about funding sources for non-governmental organizations and independent media outlets, opponents argue that it could be used to stifle dissent, potentially contributing to democratic backsliding and an authoritarian shift in governance.
Georgia's Western partners, concerned about the implications of the foreign agents law on democracy, civil society, and human rights, are anticipated to step up the pressure on Tbilisi, possibly through the imposition of sanctions or diplomatic pressure on key figures, as well as potential limitations on economic cooperation.