The Council of Europe, which Georgia joined in 1999, has expressed concern over the reintroduction of the Russian law on so-called foreign agents by the ruling Georgian Dream party. The organization has published a statement from its Secretary-General, Maria Pejčinović Burić.
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“I am concerned with the revival of the draft legislation on “transparency of foreign influence” in the Parliament of Georgia. Last year, alongside many friends of Georgia, I welcomed the withdrawal of this legislative proposal. I reiterate today that constructive dialogue and upholding of our standards remain key,” the statement says.
The European Union has also expressed concern over the reintroduction of the Russian law. The Lead Spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, Peter Stano noted that ensuring a favorable environment for civil society organizations and media freedom is paramount to the EU accession process.
MEPs also expressed critical opinions. According to Anna Fotyga, the ruling party is trying to divide the people before the elections and undermine what has already been achieved by granting Georgia candidate status. German MEP Viola von Kramon believes that Georgian Dream "got new instructions from their masters in the Kremlin” and they reintroduced the same Russian law that Georgian people said NO to.
“This law has one goal - to sabotage Georgia's European future. To keep Georgia in the Russian swamp. Bad idea,” von Kramon noted.
European parliamentarian Miriam Lexmann also assessed the law as a declaration of sabotage for the European future
The ruling party intends to pass the law on so-called foreign agents in all three readings by the end of the current session of parliament, which was rejected in March 2023 due to protests and international pressure. The text of the draft law will remain the same, with only "agent of foreign influence" being replaced by the term "organization carrying the interests of a foreign power." At today's briefing, the executive secretary of the ruling party, Mamuka Mdinaradze, noted that the draft law would not be considered in an accelerated manner and would not be withdrawn even in the event of a larger protest than last year. "No way. This is a matter of principle," said Mdinaradze. Until now, the leaders of Georgian Dream had declared that they would not return to the draft law and that this issue was closed. The honorary chairman of the party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, supports the re-initiation of the Russian law.
