Georgia: The "Foreign Agents" Law and Its Consequences According to an Expert

In an interview with DW, Stefan Malerius, a representative of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Tbilisi, discussed the protests against the draft law "On Transparency of Foreign Influence," Georgia's prospects for EU membership, and the role of Bidzina Ivanishvili in the current events.

World

02.07.2024, 11:16

Share:

Georgia: The "Foreign Agents" Law and Its Consequences According to an Expert

Georgia: The "Foreign Agents" Law and Its Consequences According to an Expert

Protests in Georgia

The Georgian parliament has reviewed the draft law "On Transparency of Foreign Influence" in its second reading, which is similar to the Russian "foreign agents" law, sparking mass protests. Stefan Malerius from the Adenauer Foundation in Tbilisi compared the situation to the Euromaidan protests in Kyiv, noting that in both cases, the demonstrations are against Russian influence and for a pro-European course. However, he pointed out that there are no tent camps in Tbilisi, and the protests are predominantly youth-driven.

Motives of the Georgian Government

Malerius emphasizes that the Georgian government's attempts to pass the law raise many questions. The government lacks obvious internal political motives: the ruling party leads in polls, and the opposition is weak and fragmented. The draft law is causing societal division, which is particularly noticeable against the backdrop of recent national unity over the EU candidate status and successes in sports.

Among the reasons for the law's support, Malerius sees possible influence from Moscow, noting that Bidzina Ivanishvili, the presumed key decision-maker in Georgia, might be acting under pressure from the Kremlin.

The Law and Its Impact

The "On Transparency of Foreign Influence" law requires all NGOs receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register. Malerius rejects the notion that the law targets Russian NGOs, pointing out that the government already controls these organizations. Instead, the law appears aimed at Western-funded NGOs, reflecting the authorities' desire to increase control over civil society.

Impact on Euro-Atlantic Prospects

The Georgian government likely faces significant pressure from Russia, forcing it to jeopardize the country's European prospects. According to Malerius, Western response is crucial, as supporting the protesters could halt further authoritarian measures by the government.

Future of Georgia

If the law is passed, the EU will closely monitor its implementation and the upcoming elections in October. Malerius warns that if the elections are not free and fair, the EU might freeze Georgia's accession process, putting it in a situation similar to Turkey. However, Europe is interested in supporting Georgia and keeping it aligned with the West, given the strategic importance of the South Caucasus.

In the coming weeks, it will become clear how the law will affect Georgia's status in its relations with the EU.

World

02.07.2024, 11:16

Share:

Latest news

Jahon banki Oʻzbekistonda elektr tarmoqlarini modernizatsiya qilish uchun 100 mln AQSh dollar kredit ajratdi

World Bank allocates $100 million loan to modernize Uzbekistan’s power grids

The World Bank has approved a $100 million loan to support a program aimed at integrating renewable energy sources into Uzbekistan’s distribution networks and improving the reliability of electricity supply in priority regions across the country.

Uzbekistan

19.05.2025, 14:30

Tojikistondan qaryib 27 kg narkotik modda olib kirilayotgan vaqtda ushlandi,

Nearly 27 kg of narcotic drugs seized at the Uzbekistan – Tajikistan border

Six individuals attempting to smuggle a total of 26.8 kg of narcotic substances from Tajikistan into Uzbekistan have been detained, according to the State Security Service (SSS).

Uzbekistan

19.05.2025, 11:09

Isroil Gʻazoga yana gumanitar yordam yetkazishga ruxsat berdi

Israel grants new permission for humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza

Today, May 19, the Israeli government announced it would once again allow humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip. Observers have warned that without this assistance, the region faces an imminent threat of widespread famine.

World

19.05.2025, 10:42

On Donald Trump's plans in the Middle East (during his visit to the Persian Gulf countries)

US President Donald Trump's May tour of the Gulf states promises to be a turning point, with "economic diplomacy" taking center stage and, instead of official declarations, dominating large-scale investment and infrastructure projects. The focus is on the US project in the East, which aims to strengthen energy security, stimulate technological transformation, accelerate military cooperation and offer a "new life" to war-torn Gaza through the so-called "Gaza Riviera".

World

16.05.2025, 14:33

Мексикада судья йўқолган талабалар ҳақидаги далилларни йўқ қилишда айбланиб ҳибсга олинди

Judge arrested in Mexico for destroying evidence in missing students case

A new development has emerged in the case of 43 students who disappeared in Mexico in 2014: former judge Lambertina Galeana Marín has been arrested on suspicion of destroying evidence related to the incident, according to a report by the BBC.

World

16.05.2025, 13:50

Men shaxsan 15 may kuni Putinni Istanbulda kutaman — Zelenskiy

I will personally wait for Putin in Istanbul on May 15 — Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he is ready to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Istanbul on May 15.

World

12.05.2025, 13:06

Tabibning oʻzi bemor ekan: Xonobod shahar sudi raisi jinoyat sodir etdi

The chairman of the Khanabad city court committed a crime

The Chairman of the Criminal Court of Khanabad city in Andijan region, Yu.E., has been held criminally liable for committing a crime, and his judicial powers have been terminated. This was reported by the Press Service of the Supreme Judicial Council.

Uzbekistan

12.05.2025, 12:43

Ўзбекистонда 130 та объект маданий мерос рўйхатига кириши мумкин

130 sites in Uzbekistan may be added to the Cultural heritage register

A proposal has been made to include 130 sites located in various regions of Uzbekistan — including the Cabinet of Ministers building on Independence Square in Tashkent — in the national list of cultural heritage sites.

Uzbekistan

12.05.2025, 10:43

Кашмир инқирози – 2025: Қисқа таҳлилий ҳисобот

Kashmir Crisis – 2025: A Brief Analytical Report

The region of Jammu and Kashmir has once again become the epicenter of conflict between India and Pakistan. The latest escalation was triggered by a terrorist attack carried out on April 22, 2025 in the Pahalgam district. The armed assault resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including 25 Indian citizens and one Nepalese national. Such incidents have significantly heightened tensions in the region and raised concerns within the international community.

Politics

06.05.2025, 14:19

Shavkat Mirziyoyev va Donald Tramp

Donald Trump's visit to Uzbekistan: the truth behind strategic interests and diplomatic signals

The possibility of Donald Trump visiting Central Asia, in particular Uzbekistan, remains relevant. Although not officially announced, the current diplomatic situation and structural factors contribute to the emergence of such a visit.

Politics

29.04.2025, 17:39

Kazakistan and Afganistan

What are Kazakhstan's ambitions regarding Afghanistan?

From April 21 to 23, 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Serik Zhumangarin, paid an official visit to Kabul, the capital of the Taliban government, where he held a meeting with the Deputy Head of the Afghan Government, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. As a result of the visit, approximately 20 agreements were signed with a total value of $140 million, marking a significant step in the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Economy

29.04.2025, 15:53

Gulnora Karimova

How Much of Gulnara Karimova's Assets Have Been Returned to Uzbekistan and Where Have They Been Spent?

A total of $313 million of Gulnara Karimova's funds frozen in Switzerland has been returned to the people of Uzbekistan. Of this amount, $95 million was transferred to the Trust Fund established jointly by the governments of Uzbekistan and Switzerland. From these funds, $87 million has been allocated equally between Uzbekistan’s healthcare and education sectors. The remaining funds are still being held in Swiss bank accounts under the supervision of the Swiss government.

Uzbekistan

29.04.2025, 12:21