In a bold move to address growing concerns over Georgia’s trajectory, President Salome Zurabishvili placed a symbolic veto on the contentious “foreign influence” law, which has ignited widespread protests across the nation. The legislation, pushed through by lawmakers from the ruling Georgian Dream party earlier this week, has sparked fears among demonstrators that Georgia is veering away from its pro-Western stance towards closer ties with Russia.
Zurabishvili, in a televised statement, denounced the law as having “Russian essence” and being in direct contradiction with the country’s constitution. Critics have likened the bill to Russian statutes designed to stifle dissent, further intensifying public outcry.
The protests, which have gripped the Black Sea nation, mark an unprecedented display of dissent in recent history. With over 80% of the population expressing a desire to join the European Union and NATO, the demonstrations underscore Georgia’s staunch anti-Kremlin stance.
The European Union has voiced strong opposition to the measure, with Brussels warning that it undermines Georgia’s aspirations for EU membership. European Council chief Charles Michel hailed Zurabishvili’s veto as a pivotal moment for reflection, urging Georgian lawmakers to seize the opportunity to reaffirm the country’s commitment to its European path.
Despite Zurabishvili’s veto, the ruling Georgian Dream party possesses enough parliamentary support to potentially override it. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has indicated the party’s willingness to entertain amendments proposed by the president, provided they are outlined in the veto document.
However, tensions between Zurabishvili and Georgian Dream persist, with the president rejecting the notion of engaging in what she perceives as insincere negotiations. The bill, which mandates NGOs and media outlets receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as entities “pursuing the interests of a foreign power,” remains a contentious issue at the heart of Georgia’s political landscape.
As Georgia navigates this critical juncture, the fate of the “foreign influence” law hangs in the balance, shaping the country’s future trajectory amidst fervent calls for upholding democratic principles and preserving its European aspirations.