Georgian PM calls U.S. criticism of draft ‘foreign agents’ law false

Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze has responded to U.S. criticism of a draft “foreign agents” law, rejecting the accusations and asserting that Washington’s statements are false and reminiscent of past meddling that fueled violence.

The proposed legislation, currently progressing through the Georgian parliament, would mandate organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence. Critics argue that this requirement is authoritarian and influenced by the Kremlin. Protests against the law have erupted in Tbilisi, with demonstrators expressing strong opposition.

Both the European Union and the United States have urged Georgia to abandon the legislation, warning that it could jeopardize the country’s path toward European Union membership and a broader Euro-Atlantic future.

The dispute is part of a broader struggle for Georgia’s direction, with implications on its relationship with Europe and Russia. Georgian PM Kobakhidze’s statement addressed U.S. diplomat Derek Chollet, citing concerns about false statements and the potential for unrest fueled by foreign-funded actors, echoing past events in 2020-2023.

Kobakhidze emphasized the need for fair and honest dialogue to improve relations between Georgia and the United States. Meanwhile, Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, has spoken out against perceived Western interference and vowed to defend Georgia’s sovereignty.

The ongoing debate highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in Georgia, where domestic legislation intersects with international relations, shaping the country’s future trajectory.