Senators Warn Georgia PM: Rethink Foreign Agents Bill or Face Policy Shift

A bipartisan group of 14 US Senators sent a letter to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on April 26, 2023, expressing deep concern over the proposed 'foreign agents' bill and cautioning of potential sanctions, funding cuts, and visa restrictions if the legislation is enacted. The senators, led by Jeanne Shaheen and James Risch, called on the Georgian government to withdraw the law, which they believe threatens US-Georgia relations and undermines Georgia's democratic development and EU membership agenda.

The senators stated that if the bill is passed, they will be compelled to encourage changes in US policy towards Georgia, including the imposition of individual sanctions, the termination of direct US financial aid, and the expansion of visa restrictions. "The adoption of the legislation could send a powerful message to the Georgian people that its government no longer reflects their wishes, is actively undermining its EU membership agenda, and refuses to uphold its constitution," the letter said.

The proposed legislation has drawn comparisons to a Russian law used to muzzle dissent. The senators rejected the Georgian government's claim that the bill aims to bring transparency, emphasizing that it does not mirror any US law and will be utilized to silence civil society and the media, which play a vital role in strengthening Georgia's democratic institutions. Mass protests have taken place in Tbilisi against the legislation, which the senators noted contradicts the wishes of the Georgian people, given that 79% consistently support EU membership.

Why this matters: The proposed 'foreign agents' bill in Georgia has raised concerns about the country's democratic trajectory and its relationship with the United States and Europe. The potential enactment of the legislation could have significant consequences for Georgia, including sanctions, funding cuts, and setbacks to its EU membership aspirations.

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has said she will veto the bill if it is approved in its final reading, but the ruling Georgian Dream party has enough lawmakers to override her veto. The European Union has also criticized the bill as incompatible with the bloc's values. The US Senators warned that the US-Georgia relationship, based on mutual interests and common values, cannot continue if this legislation is not withdrawn.

Key Takeaways

• 14 US Senators sent a letter to Georgia's PM condemning 'foreign agents' bill
• Senators warn of sanctions, funding cuts, and visa restrictions if bill is enacted
• Bill compared to Russian law, seen as threat to Georgia's democracy and EU agenda
• Georgian President vows to veto bill, but ruling party can override the veto
• US-Georgia relationship at risk if bill is not withdrawn, according to Senators