Calay News
Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, has decided to withdraw its proposed bill on “foreign agents” after widespread protests and criticism that the draft law would limit press freedom and hurt the country’s chances of joining the EU. The party cited the need to reduce “confrontation” in society as the reason for the move.
The controversial legislation would have required organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from overseas to register as “foreign agents” or face substantial fines. Critics said it was similar to Russian legislation used to stifle dissent.
Protests against the proposed law culminated in two nights of violent clashes between police and demonstrators in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi. On Wednesday, hundreds of police officers, many carrying riot shields, used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters outside Parliament. More than 60 protesters were arrested.
Earlier, thousands of people had marched in the streets to rally against the proposed law, which they saw as an authoritarian shift in the country’s democracy. The legislation had also raised concerns that it could hinder Tbilisi’s efforts to become a candidate for EU membership.
The withdrawal of the bill by Georgian Dream has been welcomed by protesters and international observers alike. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his support for the protesters in Georgia, saying that their fight for democratic success was important not only for Georgia but for the entire region.
The move by Georgian Dream to withdraw the bill demonstrates the power of popular protest in shaping government policy. It also shows that the people of Georgia are willing to fight for their democratic rights and freedoms.
