Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stood firm against U.S. criticism of a proposed “foreign agents” law, dismissing Washington’s remarks as false and reminiscent of past interference that had incited violence. The draft legislation, currently under review in the Georgian parliament, would mandate organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign influence agents, a move opponents denounce as authoritarian and influenced by the Kremlin.
In response to the growing dissent, protesters have flooded the streets of Tbilisi for weeks, showcasing their opposition. Both the European Union and the United States have cautioned Tbilisi against proceeding with the legislation, warning that it could jeopardize Georgia’s prospects of European Union membership and its broader Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
The escalating standoff is viewed as a pivotal moment in determining Georgia’s future trajectory, whether it aligns more closely with Europe or falls back under Moscow’s sway. Prime Minister Kobakhidze rebuffed U.S. diplomat Derek Chollet’s criticisms, highlighting the detrimental impact of previous U.S. interventions that he claimed had incited violence and supported unsuccessful revolutionary movements.
Moreover, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, vowed to defend Georgia’s sovereignty and accused the West of meddling to provoke conflict. The ongoing tensions underscore the delicate balance Georgia faces in navigating its geopolitical alliances and safeguarding its autonomy.