The protests in Georgia have had an impact.
(Photo: ddp/abaca press)
Tbilisi After two nights of massive protests in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi, the ruling party withdrew its plans for the so-called “agent” law on Thursday morning. But observers warn that the conflict between the government and the population over the direction of the country is not over yet.
The ruling party “Georgian Dream” declared on Thursday morning that it would withdraw the draft law on so-called “foreign agents” unconditionally and without any reservations. This should reduce the “confrontation” in society.
The law is based on Russia’s law on “foreign agents”, with which the authorities accuse media workers, employees of non-governmental organizations or researchers of being influenced from abroad and effectively silence them.
Georgian law provided for organizations that receive at least 20 percent of their funding from abroad to be classified as foreign proxies. In addition, they should then be placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice. Draconian fines were provided for violations.
The protesters made it clear that the law would have moved the country away from the European Union and closer to Russia. The European Union (EU) Delegation to Georgia encouraged the country’s political leadership to resume reforms for EU accession “in an inclusive and constructive manner” so that the country could gain candidate status. On Wednesday evening, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed his support for the protest movement.
Large majority of Georgians want to join the EU
Large sections of the Georgian population are in favor of the country joining the European Union, although the country was initially denied accession candidate status last year. The opposition accuses the government of actively obstructing the accession process.
But the ruling party’s recent concession to the protesters does not mean a fundamental change in direction, experts warn. According to Stefan Meister, Russia and Eastern Europe expert at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), Thursday’s withdrawal is merely “a tactical step to buy time”. It is known from the past that the governing party first gives in to pressure – “and then, in a modified way, does the same thing,” says Meister.
According to him, the goal of the Georgian government is to prevent EU candidate status at least until the next elections in 2024. “Because if it comes, the government will have to be measured against it,” says Meister.
Nor is it to be expected that the attitude of the population will change. Meister also emphasizes that civil society and the independent media in the country are “absolutely clear” that the law would be a “game changer” for Georgia.
There had been demonstrations against the planned law with massive clashes with the police.
(Photo: AP)
Giorgi Gogia, deputy director for Europe and Central Asia at the human rights organization Human Rights Watch, also emphasized that vigilance is now the order of the day. The ruling party has already turned back promises to calm popular protests at least twice. The bill was not withdrawn because the party was no longer behind it. He also called on the authorities on Twitter, among other things, to investigate the legitimacy and proportionality of the police operations and to ensure due process for the detainees.
The withdrawal of the plans was preceded by two nights of violent protests after parliament initially approved the law on Tuesday’s first reading. Tens of thousands of Georgians then gathered in front of the parliament, and some demonstrators threw petrol bombs, stones and plastic bottles at police officers. The police used tear gas and water cannons. According to the Georgian Interior Ministry, 77 demonstrators were arrested on Tuesday.
Georgia withdraws ‘foreign agent law’ push
Incidentally, DGAP expert Meister does not see any “big Russian plot” in the legislative process, even if Russia naturally plays a role in the background.
But thanks to Bidzina Ivanishvili, billionaire and founder of the ruling party’s predecessor movement, there is “a systematic anti-Western and anti-EU policy.” Ivanshvili is still considered a significant figure in the background in Georgian politics. “For him, now would be the moment to flip the toggle switch to shut down civil society and the independent media.” “More and sustained pressure” from civil society and Western partners is now needed, according to Meister.
More: Kremlin expert – “Putin fears any direct contact – he doesn’t even trust his own cabinet”