Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, is moving forward with tightening laws related to criminal and administrative offenses in response to growing protests over the government’s decision last year to halt the country’s EU integration process.
Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of the Georgian Dream and Leader of the Parliamentary Majority, announced at a briefing today that amendments are being made to both the Criminal and Administrative Offenses Codes. The changes come amidst a tense political climate, with protests intensifying due to concerns that the government is backtracking on its commitment to join the European Union.
Mdinaradze framed the legislative adjustments as part of the government’s efforts to combat foreign interference and destabilizing forces, which he claimed were working against Georgia’s progress. “Although they have suffered a serious setback this time, we still have challenges,” Mdinaradze said, referring to what he described as an ongoing attempt by “agents of the Deep State” to undermine the government.
While the government’s decision to slow down its EU integration efforts has sparked widespread discontent, Mdinaradze emphasized that the tightening of regulations was necessary to maintain stability. He pointed out that Georgia’s economic growth fell short of expectations in December 2024, registering only 6.5% instead of the anticipated 10%. This economic setback, according to Mdinaradze, was due in part to the destabilizing activities of external actors.
“We must prevent the Deep State from sabotaging the country and its interests,” Mdinaradze remarked. He criticized past legislative changes that, in his view, had weakened the state’s ability to govern effectively and responded by introducing new regulations to strengthen the government’s authority. The proposed amendments to the Administrative Offenses Code would impose stricter penalties for actions such as organizing rallies in closed spaces without the owner’s consent, disobeying law enforcement, and verbally insulting public officials. Fines and the duration of administrative imprisonment are set to increase, with the maximum term rising to 60 days.
Additionally, Mdinaradze outlined changes to the Criminal Code, including harsher punishments for public incitement to violence and attacks on police officers or government officials. He said these amendments were aimed at tackling “fascist actions” from certain groups that had been involved in the protests. “We are committed to ensuring the government has the means to protect itself and the people it represents,” he stated.
