Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has taken a strong stance against a controversial “foreign influence” bill passed by parliament, calling it “unacceptable” and refusing to back down despite pressure from the ruling Georgian Dream party. 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 sparked widespread criticism and protests in the country.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Zourabichvili criticized the bill as a threat to civil society, media freedom, and Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union. She reaffirmed her intention to veto the bill, stating that it goes against EU recommendations and the country’s policy of European integration.
The passage of the bill has led to massive protests in the capital of Georgia, with demonstrators clashing with police and demanding the legislation be repealed. The opposition has labeled the bill as “the Russian law,” drawing parallels to similar legislation used by Moscow to suppress dissent.
International condemnation has also been swift, with the U.S. and EU expressing deep concern over the bill’s implications for democratic values and Georgia’s relationship with the West. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre warned that enacting the law would lead to a reassessment of the U.S.’s relationship with Georgia.
As tensions escalate, the future of Georgia’s democratic principles and European aspirations hangs in the balance, with the international community closely watching the developments in the South Caucasus nation.