Georgian legislators discuss the possibility of overriding the president’s veto on controversial foreign influence legislation | Global Updates

Georgian lawmakers are at a crossroads as they debate whether to override President Salome Zourabichvili’s veto of a controversial “foreign agents” bill that has sparked outrage and protests in the country. The bill, which requires media and nonprofit organizations to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad, has been criticized for restricting media freedom and hindering Georgia’s chances of joining the European Union.

President Zourabichvili, who vetoed the bill on May 18, has accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of jeopardizing the country’s future and hindering its path towards becoming a full member of the free and democratic world. Critics of the bill, including many journalists and activists, argue that its true goal is to stigmatize them and restrict debate ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for October.

The bill, which is similar to one that was withdrawn last year after massive protests, has reignited demonstrations in Georgia. Protesters have clashed with police, who have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse them. The European Union and the United States have both expressed concerns about the bill, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken announcing travel sanctions on Georgian officials responsible for undermining democracy in the country.

As tensions rise in Georgia, the outcome of the debate over the bill will have far-reaching implications for the country’s future. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect Georgia from harmful foreign influence, while opponents see it as a threat to democracy and the country’s aspirations to align with the West. The decision made by lawmakers will not only shape Georgia’s relationship with foreign powers but also determine the direction the country takes in the coming years.