Around 20,000 Georgians took to the streets of Tbilisi to participate in the “March for Europe” protest against a controversial “foreign influence” bill proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party. Protesters gathered at the central Republic Square before marching towards parliament, calling on the government to scrap the bill which critics say would undermine Tbilisi’s European aspirations.
The mass anti-government protests have been ongoing since mid-April, with waves of demonstrations forcing the ruling party to drop similar measures in the past. The reintroduction of the bill has sparked outrage among the Georgian populace, who fear it resembles Russian legislation used to silence dissent.
During the latest rallies, police clashed with protesters as they attempted to hoist an EU flag outside parliament. Demonstrators expressed their support for Georgia’s European future and opposition to Russian influence, with many accusing the ruling party of steering the country towards closer ties with Moscow.
The rally was organized by Georgian rights groups and opposition parties, with Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili vowing to veto the law if adopted. Despite the government’s claims that the bill aims to boost transparency of foreign funding for NGOs, critics believe it will restrict freedom of speech and civil liberties.
EU chief Charles Michel warned that the bill is not consistent with Georgia’s bid for EU membership, which is supported by over 80 percent of the population. In December, the EU granted Georgia official candidate status, but membership talks will depend on reforms in various areas including judicial and electoral systems, press freedom, and reducing political polarization.
As tensions continue to escalate in Tbilisi, the fate of Georgia’s European aspirations hangs in the balance, with protesters determined to push back against what they see as harmful foreign influence on their country’s democratic future.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”