In recent years, Georgia has seen a significant shift in its political landscape, with the government introducing a series of laws that have raised concerns about the state of democracy and freedom in the country. At the heart of these changes is a law adopted by the Russia-friendly ruling party, which labels non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media outlets as “foreign agents” if they receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad. This legislation has been criticized for its potential to stifle dissent and limit the independence of civil society organizations. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has further escalated tensions by accusing Western donors and foreign-funded NGOs of engaging in “coordinated work against the Georgian people and state,” claiming that these groups are attempting to incite revolution. This rhetoric has been met with alarm by rights groups and international observers, who fear that the government is using such narratives to justify increasing restrictions on civic freedoms.
One of the most concerning developments has been the introduction of a new bill that seeks to eliminate the state’s obligations to involve civil society in legislative decision-making. This move has been described as an attempt to consolidate power and reduce the influence of independent voices in the policymaking process. According to Mdinaradze, a government official, the goal is to prevent civil society from creating “non-existent problems and trumped-up accusations” that supposedly destabilize the country. Critics argue that this approach undermines the principles of transparency and accountability, which are essential for a functioning democracy. By cutting civil society out of the legislative process, the government risks further alienating itself from the public and creating an environment in which decisions are made without input from those most affected by them.
In addition to these measures, the Georgian parliament has also adopted stricter rules on assembly and demonstrations. One of the new laws increases penalties for insulting a police officer on duty, with offenders now facing up to 60 days’ imprisonment. Similarly, penalties for disobeying a police officer have been heightened, raising concerns about the potential for abuse of power and the suppression of peaceful protest. These changes come amid ongoing anti-government protests, which have been met with a heavy-handed response from authorities. Multiple public servants have reported being dismissed from their jobs for participating in these protests, further fueling fears about the erosion of political freedoms. The government’s amendments to laws on public service, which simplify the procedures for firing public servants, have created an atmosphere of intimidation and self-censorship.
Journalists and media professionals in Georgia have been particularly vocal about the government’s actions, which they believe are designed to silence critical voices. Lika Zakashvili, co-founder of the local media outlet Publika, has warned that the new laws will be used as tools for censorship and Manipulation. “This will be used as leverage for silencing media in the hands of the power that has no independent institutions, no independent courts,” she said. Her words reflect a broader concern that the government is systematically undermining the independence of the judiciary and the media, creating an environment in which dissent is not tolerated. With the government increasingly consolidating its power, many fear that Georgia is sliding toward authoritarianism, with little check on executive authority.
The international community has taken note of these developments, with many expressing concern about the direction in which Georgia is heading. The targeting of NGOs and media outlets, along with the suppression of peaceful protest, has led to accusations that the government is prioritizing its own interests over the rights and freedoms of its citizens. The fact that these measures are being justified on the grounds of national security and stability has only added to the skepticism, as many see them as thinly veiled attempts to maintain control and quash opposition. As Georgia continues down this path, it risks further alienating itself from its Western allies and undermining its aspirations to join organizations like NATO and the European Union.
In conclusion, the recent legislative changes in Georgia represent a worrying trend toward authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic principles. The labeling of NGOs and media as “foreign agents,” the exclusion of civil society from the legislative process, and the increased penalties for peaceful dissent all point to a government that is increasingly intolerant of criticism and opposition. The dismissal of public servants for their participation in protests and the silencing of critical voices in the media further highlight the extent to which the government is willing to go to maintain its grip on power. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see whether Georgia can reverse this downward spiral and restore the democratic principles on which it once prided itself.
