In the news
On 14 May, the Georgian Parliament passed the ‘foreign influence’ with 84 votes in favour and thirty against. The bill has been debated since 17 April and was reintroduced on 09 May.
 
On 14 May, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, James O’Brien said that if the controversial bill was not changed and remained in its current form, there would be a corresponding reaction from the US such as restrictions affecting the financial side and the travel of specific people and families who have been responsible for the undemocratic actions. On 03 May, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in conservation with European Council President Charles Michel expressed that there were no counterarguments against the proposed legislation. He argued that it would increase the transparency over the foreign funding of NGOs.
 
Earlier, on 28 April, close to 20,000 people gathered at Tbilisi's central Republic Square protesting against the controversial “Foreign Influence” bill. The ruling Georgian Dream party reintroduced the bill this month facing strong criticisms for a perceived democratic backsliding. The bill is observed to be "not consistent" with Georgia's application for EU membership. On 17 April, a large number of protestors gathered in Tbilisi after the lawmakers passed a bill considered controversial imposing control on media and non-commercial organisations. The bill mandates such organisations that receive more than 20 per cent of funding from foreign entities to register and therefore categorised as “foreign agents.”
 
Issues at large
First, a brief note on the bill. All the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and media outlets that receive more than 20 per cent of their funds from donors outside would be obliged to register as organisations “bearing the interests of a foreign power.” They would also face reporting requirements, be forced to share sensitive information, and be heavily penalised for non-compliance. The ruling party has argued that the legislation is needed to enhance the transparency of NGO funding and protect Georgia from external influence. The growing ties with Russia and its influence are also seen as a factor in pushing the bill.
 
Second, Georgia’s tightrope between the West and Russia. With the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Tbilisi finds itself in an intractable position. It has condemned Russia’s special military operation over Ukraine the way it has been denouncing Moscow’s actions for annexing Georgia’s territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions. It has criticized Russia recently for holding the Russian Presidential elections and the illegal opening of the polling stations in these two occupied regions. Yet, at the same time, the enthusiasm for joining the EU has reduced within the government.
 
Third, the divide between the government and the people. The passing of the bill, despite the protests, including by the opposition parties, and condemnation by the West, shows a defiant pro-Kremlin government in Georgia against the West. In contrast to the government’s attitude towards the EU membership, the public has been giving clear signals to the government that they want the nullification of the bill and want to be associated with the EU and not Russia. However, the government, on the contrary, is emphasizing that the people do not want another Euromaidan situation in Georgia due to the interference of the West and are supportive of the ‘foreign agent’ bill.
 
In perspective
Indications of Georgia becoming the next Belarus is becoming clearer. With the Ukraine war still going on and the economic woes that have hit Georgia would make the situation worse for the people. With the many Russians who fled to Tbilisi during the Russian military conscription would add more problems for the government. Keeping a good relationship with Russia would be a safer option given the high price and inflation that the country is facing.
 
Regarding the US threats of a traveling ban and financial restrictions on Georgian officials for implementing the bill, Georgia would not be worried because of Russia's economic resilience and growth. Rather, Georgia would be leaning more close to the Kremlin, resulting in an authoritarian and sovereign democratic country. For the EU or West, the country would become a headache in coming times, like Hungary.