The Foreign Agents Law
In early 2023, the Georgian Parliament introduced a draft law requiring non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media outlets receiving more than 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as “agents of foreign influence.” The proposal faced significant public backclashes, with critics arguing that the law infringes on freedom of expression and jeopardizes Georgia’s aspirations for European Union membership, aligning the country closer to Russian interests. Facing mounting public pressure, the ruling Georgian Dream party withdrew the bill in March 2023.
Despite this previous public outcry, the ruling party reintroduced a similar bill in April 2024. The Parliament passed the bill on its third reading on May 14, with 84 votes in favor and 30 against. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili vetoed the legislation on May 18, labeling it “fundamentally Russian” and contrary to European standards. However, on May 28, Parliament overrode her veto, thus enacting the law. The law’s passage reignited mass protests, which lasted through the first half of 2024, with demonstrators expressing concerns over potential restrictions on civil society and media freedom. The police response included tear gas and water cannons, leading to numerous arrests.
Internationally, the European Union froze €30 million in financial aid, citing the law’s incompatibility with democratic values. The United States also imposed travel bans on several Georgian officials involved in the law’s enactment.
As of December 2024, the “foreign agents” law remains in effect, continuing to face criticism from domestic opposition groups and international observers.
Parliamentary elections and Parties Presentation
On October 26, Georgia held its parliamentary elections, with the ruling Georgian Dream party securing 89 out of 150 seats, while opposition parties collectively won 61 seats.
For an easier understanding, we have resumed the general political stance of the parties present in the Parliament:
- Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia: The ruling conservative party, initially pro-European but shifting towards Euroscepticism. Accused by critics of being pro-Russian and of having committed electoral misconduct or irregularities in the last elections.
- The Coalition for Change: A pro-Western liberal coalition supporting EU integration, liberalism, human rights, free-market principles, progressive social policies (including LGBTQ+ rights).
- Unity – National Movement: A right, pro-Western opposition alliance that emphasizes liberal conservatism, economic reforms, and a strong stance against Russian influence, while advocating for democratic institutions.
- Strong Georgia: A pro-European coalition with liberal and social-democratic elements, promoting free-market principles along with social protections and progressive educational reforms.
- For Georgia: A social-democratic and technocratic party focused on European integration, anti-corruption, and judicial independence, blending free-market principles with social welfare provisions.
Georgian Dream faces accusations of collusion with Russian interests. Party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili is alleged to have ties to Russia due to his fortune amassed there, perceived pro-Kremlin policies, and actions seen as undermining Georgia’s EU and NATO aspirations, despite his public denials.
Election Controversies and Allegations of Fraud
Opposition groups alleged widespread election fraud, citing issues such as the use of thin ballot papers that allowed ink to seep through, vote-buying, voter intimidation, misuse of administrative resources, and the deployment of fake observers. Organizations such as Transparency International Georgia, ISFED, and international observers, including the OSCE, the European Union, and the US State Department, raised concerns about irregularities. President Salome Zourabichvili also accused the ruling party of electoral manipulation, citing Russian interference in addition.
On November 25, the Parliament held its first session, amid protests outside the building. Opposition parties boycotted the event, along with Zourabichvili, who refused to open the session, citing constitutional violations.
On November 16, the head of Georgia’s Central Electoral Commission, Giorgi Kalandarishvili, was doused with black paint during a meeting to confirm the results of the divisive October 26 parliamentary elections. The incident occurred when David Kirtadze, an opposition commission member from the Unity – National Movement party, threw black paint at Kalandarishvili, accusing him of certifying results that did not reflect voters’ “true choice.” Kalandarishvili, who later appeared with a bandaged eye, denied the allegations of vote manipulation and condemned the use of “pressure, bullying, and personal insults” during the session.
Black paint is splashed into the face of Giorgi Kalandarishcili, Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Georgia as he was preparing to announce the final results of the October 26 parliamentary elections which both opposition and civil society consider fraudulent and not… pic.twitter.com/Z0ArxuWUPY
— Formula NEWS | English (@FormulaGe) November 16, 2024
Suspension of EU Membership Talks and Opposition Crackdown
Mass protests erupted in Tbilisi after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on November 28 that EU membership talks would be delayed until 2028.
Demonstrators added these developments to their previous accusations of electoral fraud, democratic backsliding, and authoritarian practices, accused Georgian Dream of pro-Russian policies, waving EU and Georgian flags in defiance.
On December 4, Georgian authorities conducted raids on opposition offices and homes, targeting groups such as the Unity – National Movement party and the Coalition for Change. Activist Ilo Glonti, administrator of the 200,000-member Let’s Unite Facebook group, reported that his devices were confiscated. Opposition leader Nika Gvaramia of the New Party (liberal, pro-European right-wing party) described the crackdown as indicative of a growing authoritarian trend. Georgian Dream denied the allegations, accusing opposition leaders of inciting violence.
International Response
The international community has voiced growing concern over the developments in Georgia. On December 9, the United Kingdom suspended program support and restricted defense cooperation with the Georgian government, citing concerns over democratic backsliding. Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized that engagement with Georgian Dream would be limited due to deviations from European democratic norms.
The European Union is also reconsidering its relationship with Georgia, with EU Ambassador Paweł Herczyński warning that the visa-free regime could be suspended due to recent violence. The EU had previously expressed concerns over the “foreign agents” law and hinted at additional sanctions against Georgian officials.
EU leaders are set to meet on December 16 to discuss Georgia’s situation, including potential sanctions targeting Bidzina Ivanishvili, the leader of Georgian Dream. The EU has criticized the Georgian government for actions that it claims are incompatible with existing agreements and privileges.
Mikheil Kavelashvili Designated as Georgia’s New President
Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former professional footballer and a staunch ally of Georgia’s ruling party, was designated president in a contentious electoral process on December 14.
Kavelashvili, 53, was elected by a college of voters dominated by the ruling Georgian Dream party, securing 224 votes. The opposition boycotted the vote, disputing its legitimacy.
Outgoing president Salome Zourabichvili, has announced her refusal to vacate office unless fresh parliamentary elections are held.
Kavelashvili’s critics accuse him of being at Ivanishvili’s orders and, indirectly, serving Moscow’s interests, citing alleged ties between the Georgian Dream founder and Russia. In response, protesters have gathered again, demanding transparency and a pro-European course for Georgia.
🇬🇪 Day 19 of continuous protests on Rustaveli Avenue as people rally for Georgia's European future#GeorgiaProtests #TbilisiProtests #RustaveliAvenue #Tbilisi #Georgia pic.twitter.com/5U1jJZjFkl
— Tabula Media (@Tabula_Media) December 16, 2024
Key Takeaways
2024 has been a pivotal year for Georgia:
- The reintroduction of the “foreign agents” law ignited controversies and mass protests during the first half of the year.
- Parliament’s override of the presidential veto and the indirect election of a new president highlighted the largely ceremonial nature of the presidency in Georgia.
- Allegations of election fraud, supported by irregularities noted by international observers, set a troubling precedent for future elections.
- Widespread protests and a harsh crackdown on opposition leaders underscored increasing political tensions and potential democratic backsliding.
- International reactions, including sanctions and criticism, further isolated Georgia on the global stage, straining its European aspirations.
Furthermore, with the Georgian Dream party holding an absolute majority in Parliament and the presidential election reform removing direct popular voting, the opposition’s ability to act appears increasingly restricted. Zourabichvili’s refusal to vacate office adds to the existing tensions, creating the possibility for protesters to pursue actions outside the legal and constitutional framework.