In March 2023, the public movement “Power of the People», with the support of the ruling party «Georgian Dream» (GM), initiated a law on the transparency of foreign influence (the law “on foreign agents”). Authors stated that they want to strengthen national sovereignty and achieve autonomy from external forces in political decision-making. According to the law, NGOs and media outlets that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad and participate in domestic political processes would have to register as agents of foreign influence and declare their income and expenses.
Most of the Georgian NGOs and media receiving funding from western funds, strongly opposed the law.* They were supported by opposition parties, including the largest «United National Movement». According to civil activists and opposition, the adoption of the law “on foreign agents” would lead to the rejection of integration with the European Union. Georgia will turn to Russia. Repressive and restrictive measures will be taken.
At the call of opponents of the law “on foreign agents”, on March 7-8, 2023, mass protests were held in front of the parliament building in Tbilisi, numbering, according to various estimates, from 10 to 50 thousand people. The rallies were attended by residents of the capital who support the European choice of Georgia, most of whom did not identify themselves with any political force. The most active role was played by young people under 25 years of age (the so-called Generation Z), who made spectacular performances, danced, and remained on the streets until late at night.
For the most part, the rallies were peaceful and were not aimed at a coup d’état. Only about 150-200 radicals took part in the riots and clashes with the police. They were provoked by the irresponsible statements of politicians who called for picketing the parliament. The police severely suppressed the illegal actions. However, according to the Public Defender of Georgia, disproportionate force was used by the state. As a result, several protesters received severe physical injuries.
The West also put pressure on the Georgian leadership. According to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrell, the Georgian law “on foreign agents” contradicts European values and standards and Tbilisi’s aspiration to join the European Union..
As a result, Georgian Dream was forced to withdraw its law.
According to the International Expert Platform (IEP), despite the fact that the rallies have stopped, the situation in Georgia will remain unstable. The opposition will try to use the euphoria of victory to fuel anti-government sentiment. The UNM plans to resume mass protests from April demanding the implementation of recommendations for granting Georgia the status of candidate to EU. The most radical part of the opposition will discredit the MPs who supported the law, trying to organize their persecution on social media and providing a policy of “cancelling culture” in real life.
However, Georgian Dream still has control over the situation in the republic. GM expects that revocation of the law “on foreign agents” will split the protesters. The moderate part, especially the older generation, which went through great upheavals in the 1990s – 2000s, will not support aggressive, violent methods of “fighting for their rights” or attempting a coup d’etat. The “European future” for them is connected with values of tolerance and pluralism of political views.
Against the backdrop of reports that a similar law is going to be considered in Canada and the EU, the Georgian authorities intend to continue searching for a form of control over foreign financing of political activities, based on world experience.
- https://socialjustice.org.ge/ka/products/mshvidobiani-samokalako-protestis-tsinaaghmdeg-politsiam-ukanono-da-araproportsiuli-dzala-gamoiqena