Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has vetoed the controversial ‘foreign agents’ bill following significant public outcry and widespread opposition. The bill, which would have required organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents, faced criticism for its potential to suppress civil society and media freedoms.
Mass protests erupted in Tbilisi and other parts of the country, with thousands of citizens expressing their concerns about the bill’s implications for democracy and freedom of expression. Critics argued that the bill echoed similar legislation in Russia used to stifle dissent and undermine independent organizations.
President Zourabichvili, addressing the nation, emphasized the importance of protecting democratic values and maintaining Georgia’s path towards European integration. She acknowledged the voice of the people and the risks posed by the bill to the country’s democratic development.
Despite the presidential veto, the bill’s proponents in Parliament may attempt to override the veto. However, the strong public resistance suggests that any further attempts to pass similar legislation would likely face significant challenges.