The United States has voiced profound concern over the erosion of democracy in Georgia, expressing alarm at the country’s political trajectory. In a statement, U.S.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan underscored the pivotal juncture facing Georgian parliamentarians, urging them to choose between upholding the nation’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations or adopting legislation reminiscent of Kremlin tactics.
Sullivan emphasized the critical decision facing Georgian lawmakers as they contemplated a bill that would compel organizations receiving significant foreign funding to register as “agents of foreign influence.”
This proposal has ignited a widespread political crisis within Georgia, prompting mass protests against its implementation.
Despite opposition from various quarters, the ruling Georgian Dream party, along with its allies, is pushing forward with the bill, scheduling committee hearings for its final reading. This move has sparked renewed calls for protests from opposition groups, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens.
The standoff over the bill has deepened divisions within Georgian society, with tensions escalating between the ruling party and a broad coalition of opposition forces.
Many Georgians view the legislation as a threat to democratic values, dubbing it “the Russian law” due to its perceived similarity to measures used by the Kremlin to stifle dissent.
The European Union has also expressed reservations about the bill, warning that its passage could impede Georgia’s progress toward greater integration with European institutions.
Despite assertions from Georgian Dream that the legislation aims to enhance transparency and national sovereignty, critics argue that it undermines fundamental democratic principles.
Sullivan criticized Georgian Dream’s recent actions and rhetoric, suggesting that they are at odds with the desires of the Georgian people and risk alienating the country from its Western allies.
He called for a recommitment to Georgia’s pro-Western trajectory, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong ties with the United States and Europe.
