Georgia’s ruling party founder requests “softening” of controversial bill amid mass protests – media

Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chair of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, has called on the party to “soften” the current version of a controversial foreign transparency bill amid mass demonstrations and international criticism, according to domestic outlet Imedi TV.

Ivanishvili’s alleged appeal, who is branded as a “shadow ruler” by the domestic opposition, comes as thousands gather in Tbilisi to protest against the bill, which was reintroduced by the ruling party in March despite earlier assurances not to pursue it following significant public opposition last year.

The bill, passed by the Georgian Dream party on May 1 in its second reading, garnered 83 votes in favor and 23 against. Although the substance of the bill remained largely intact, amendments were made to the title, replacing the term “agent” with “Organization Pursuing the Interests of a Foreign Power” for entities deriving more than 20 percent of their income from abroad.

Critics both domestically and internationally have labeled the bill as a “Russian law,” with foreign allies cautioning that it could hinder Georgia’s European integration efforts, particularly after the country attained candidacy status within the European bloc last year.