The draft law on foreign agents, considered by the Georgian opposition as a repressive and authoritarian measure, has been withdrawn “unconditionally” by its promoters, the People’s Force movement and the ruling Georgian Dream party. The withdrawal follows massive protests by thousands of people in Georgia who feared that the law could be an obstacle to the country’s candidacy for the European Union and NATO. The withdrawal of the draft law has been announced in a joint statement in which the two political formations have assured that their aim is to take care of peace, tranquility, and the economic development of Georgia, as well as to continue on the path of European integration.
Despite the withdrawal, opposition parties have announced that they will continue to demonstrate against the government until there is a guarantee that Georgia is firmly on a pro-Western path. The mobilization will not stop until that goal is achieved, and they have called for new protests for the following day. Although the government assures that the withdrawal of the draft law is unconditional, some opposition leaders have expressed their distrust and asked for explanations about the withdrawal process.
The European Union delegation in Georgia has welcomed the withdrawal of the draft law, calling it “controversial”. They have encouraged all political leaders in Georgia to resume pro-European reforms. The withdrawn bill is similar to one enacted by Russia in 2012, which has been used to shut down or discredit organizations critical of the government. Georgian opponents viewed the law as a potential obstacle to the country’s NATO and EU candidacy.