Opposition to suspend boycott for foreign influence bill veto discussions – opposition MP

Tamar Kordzaia, opposition MP, on Friday pledged the opposition lawmakers would attend sessions in the state legislature after the foreign influence bill returned following potential presidential veto. The parliament adopted the controversial bill with its final and third reading this week despite mass protests in Tbilisi, with the legislation being sent to the president to either sign it or veto. 

Kordzaia also said the ongoing protests against the bill had not been organized by the opposition and the latter would support them “in whatever form they continue”.

“Nothing is more important in this parliament than addressing this Russian law. We will participate in discussions after veto”, she said. The bill, officially titled the “Transparency of Foreign Influence Bill,” mandates registration and annual financial disclosures for non-governmental and media entities receiving over 20 percent of their funding from foreign sources. Failure to comply would result in fines starting at 25 thousand GEL. While the ruling party insists the law aims at enhancing transparency, critics argue it could stifle organizations involved in human rights and anti-corruption efforts.

This legislative move represents the ruling party’s second attempt in a year to introduce such a law, following protests and subsequent withdrawal of a similar bill in March 2023. Demonstrations have persisted since April 2024, met with reported instances of law enforcement using force against activists and politicians, as documented by local human rights groups and Western nations.