On May 20, the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, a representative of the majority party Georgian Dream, declared the party’s intention to override the veto imposed by President Salome Zourabichvili on the contentious foreign agents bill.
President Zourabichvili, who has pro-Western leanings and stands in opposition to the Georgian Dream, exercised her veto power on May 18. Despite this, the ruling party’s strong parliamentary majority is expected to permit the override.
The bill in question mandates that any organizations receiving foreign financing be designated as “foreign agents”, a policy reminiscent of similar Russian laws targeting dissidents of the Kremlin.
An amendment to the legislation, revealed on May 17 but previously not disclosed, extends its scope to include private individuals. These individuals are obliged to report any activities potentially indicative of serving “foreign interests.”
Noncompliance could carry a financial penalty of around 5,000 Georgian lari (~$1,800).
Papuashvili indicated that a parliamentary vote to repeal the presidential veto is slated for the following week, although no specific date was set.
Despite plans to proceed, the bill still faces potential challenges, including judicial review. When explaining her veto, President Zourabichvili stated that the bill contravenes the Georgian constitution, impinging on fundamental civil liberties.
Furthermore, she highlighted that the bill conflicts with Article 78 of the Georgian constitution, which compels the nation to actively pursue Euro-Atlantic integration.
Nevertheless, given the government’s influence over the judiciary, it is widely believed that judicial intervention to block the bill is improbable.
According to undisclosed EU representatives communicating with the Financial Times (FT), the European Union is contemplating halting Georgia’s application for membership should the ‘foreign agents’ bill become law.
In the meantime, widespread protests continue throughout Tbilisi and other parts of Georgia in defiance of the proposed legislation.
Explainer: The impetus of the ongoing Georgian protests?
Consecutive nights have seen throngs convening outside the Georgian Parliament, voicing their opposition to the polarizing foreign agents legislation spearheaded by the Georgian Dream party. With the final ballot scheduled for May 14, the law is set to
FAQ Section
What is the foreign agents law that Georgia is trying to implement?
The law would require organizations with foreign funding to register as “foreign agents,” a measure critics say resembles Russian policy used to persecute opposition to the Kremlin.
Who vetoed the foreign agents law in Georgia?
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili vetoed the bill, citing constitutional concerns and the nation’s commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration.
Can Georgian President’s veto be overridden?
Yes, the Georgian Dream party holds a significant majority in parliament, enabling them to potentially override the presidential veto.
What are the implications of failing to comply with the proposed foreign agents law?
Non-compliance could lead to a fine of approximately 5,000 Georgian lari, or around $1,800.
Has the European Union reacted to the proposed law?
Yes, EU officials have indicated that Georgia’s EU membership bid might be frozen if the bill becomes law.
Is the Georgian foreign agents bill likely to face judicial review?
While President Zourabichvili has called for a review, the government’s current influence over the judiciary makes it unlikely that the courts will block the bill.
Conclusion Section
The ongoing struggle over the foreign agents law in Georgia represents a significant political clash, with distinction drawn between the nation’s leadership and Western-aligned aspirations. Despite President Salome Zourabichvili’s efforts to halt the enactment of the bill through her veto, the Georgian Dream party, fortified by a supportive parliamentary majority, is poised to press forward, raising concerns about the potential implications for civil liberties and European integration. The coming week will be crucial as the final decisions on the law’s future are made. As protests continue and international bodies observe closely, the unfolding political dynamic in Georgia carries profound consequences for its democracy and international relations.
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