Lawfare Daily: Georgia's Foreign Agent Bill with Thomas de Waal
May 29, 2024
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Thomas de Waal, Senior Fellow at Carnegie Europe, discusses Georgia's controversial foreign agent bill, its implications on NGO's, political turmoil, Western relations, and the country's complex position balancing Russia and the West.
Georgia's foreign agent bill targets Western-funded NGOs, threatening political checks and balances.
Georgian Dream's shift towards anti-Western stance reflects consolidation of power through targeting critical NGOs.
Deep dives
Controversial Foreign Agent Bill in Georgia
The Georgian Parliament passed the controversial foreign agent bill titled Transparency of Foreign Influence, targeting Western-funded non-governmental organizations. The bill imposes heavy scrutiny and reporting requirements on organizations receiving over 20% of funding from foreign sources, mainly targeting those funded by the US and the European Union. It gives significant discretion to security forces to enforce the law, potentially leading to fines and closures for non-compliance. The bill is perceived as a threat to the political opposition in Georgia, as it aims at curbing the influence of NGOs, crucial for political checks and balances in the country.
Georgian Dream Party's Agenda and Motivations
The ruling party in Georgia, Georgian Dream, led by an eccentric billionaire, has shifted towards an anti-Western stance despite its earlier pro-Western positions. The party's proposed foreign agent legislation aligns with a geopolitical shift away from the West, reflecting a strategic move to balance relationships with Western powers and Russia. The bill is seen as a means for Georgian Dream to consolidate power by targeting NGOs critical of the government, ensuring a favorable political landscape in upcoming elections. The party's evolution from a broad coalition to a more centralized structure underlines a departure from democratic values in pursuit of personal and business interests.
Regional Dynamics and Russian Influence
The passage of the foreign agent bill in Georgia echoes similar legislation in post-Soviet states with Russian alliances, hinting at a broader pattern of influence. While not explicitly endorsed by Russia, the bill reflects a trend observed in Eastern Europe, bolstered by Russian-inspired rhetoric on foreign agent laws and sovereignty. Georgia's political realignment towards Russia, while maintaining ties with the EU, illustrates a delicate balancing act within a complex geopolitical landscape. The actions of Georgian Dream signal an alignment with countries like Hungary, reflecting a pro-Russian sentiment within select EU nations.
Challenges to Democracy and Civil Society
Georgia's democracy faces significant challenges amidst the erosion of freedoms and checks on power exemplified by the foreign agent bill. The curbs on NGOs, media freedom, and civil society pose threats to democratic principles, creating uncertainties ahead of the upcoming elections. The weakening of democratic norms in Georgia mirrors broader trends in Eastern Europe, accentuated by a polarization between pro-Western aspirations and pro-Russian interests. The erosion of democracy in Georgia highlights the tug-of-war between Western values and regional influences, impacting the country's political landscape and civil liberties.
On May 14, the Georgian parliament passed a controversial foreign agent bill titled “Transparency of Foreign Influence,” which has led to mass protests across the country. Although President Salome Zourabichvili's vetoed the bill, Georgia Dream, the majority party, overturned the veto on May 28, ensuring the enactment of this legislation.
Lawfare Associate Editor for Communications Anna Hickey sat down with Senior Fellow at Carnegie Europe Thomas de Waal to discuss what exactly was in the bill, why it was so controversial, how the U.S. and European Union have reacted, and why Georgia Dream decided to pass it now.