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A top US National Security Official has announced that the United States is deeply concerned about a proposed law in Georgia that is perceived as a threat to democratic values. 

The law would require organizations with over 20% foreign funding to register as “agents of foreign influence,” stirring significant unrest in the country. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said, “We are deeply alarmed about democratic backsliding in Georgia. Georgian Parliamentarians face a critical choice – whether to support the Georgian people’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations or pass a Kremlin-style foreign agents’ law that runs counter to democratic values. “We stand with the Georgian people.”

As Georgia prepares for the final stages of the bill’s consideration in Parliament, massive opposition has emerged, including from political parties, civil society, and public figures. They have initiated widespread protests in Tbilisi, significantly disrupting daily activities and expressing strong dissent against what is commonly referred to as “the Russian law.” 

The European Union has voiced concerns as well, suggesting that the bill could severely hinder Georgia’s ongoing integration efforts with Western institutions. This comes after the EU granted Georgia candidate status last December, marking a significant step towards deeper ties with the region.

Despite these international and domestic objections, the ruling Georgian Dream party defends the bill as a necessary measure for national sovereignty and transparency. The party’s founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili, argues that the legislation is crucial for protecting Georgia from being exploited in geopolitical conflicts.

Adding to the tension, Jake Sullivan criticized the ruling party’s actions as seemingly intentional efforts to distance Georgia from its Western allies, including the EU and NATO. He said, “Georgian Dream’s recent rhetoric, proposed legislative changes, and actions go against the aspirations of the Georgian people and are designed to isolate Georgians from the United States and Europe.”