“Russian, contrary to the Constitution”: the President of Georgia vetoed the law on “foreign agents”

Zurabishvili vetoed the law on “foreign agents”/OP (illustrative photo)

Salome Zurabishvili vetoed the law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence” on May 18. The day before, despite the protests of thousands of citizens, it was finally adopted by parliament.

Salome Zurabishvili noted that the veto has legal force and will be submitted to parliament today. The leader of Georgia stated this at a briefing.

“The law is an obstacle on our European path”

Today I vetoed a Russian law that contradicts our Constitution, European standards and, thus, is an obstacle to our European path,” Zurabishvili emphasized.

Also added that this veto is completely legal and will be submitted to parliament on May 18.

“This law must be repealed “, the president emphasized.

Briefly, what preceded this

• On May 14, the Georgian parliament finally adopted the law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence.” 84 deputies voted in favor.
• Parliamentarians did this despite thousands of protests and criticism from international partners.
• European Commission and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Defense Josep Borrell on May 15 officially called on the Georgian authorities to refuse to approve the law on “foreign agents.” They noted that final adoption would negatively affect the country's European prospects.
• The European Commission also noted that this bill undermines civil society and threatens media freedom.
• “The adoption of this law negatively affects Georgia’s progress towards the EU. The choice of the future path is in the hands of Georgia. We call on the Georgian authorities to withdraw the law,” the statement says.
• Earlier, Salome Zurabishvili promised that she would veto this bill. However, Georgian Dream has enough votes to overcome it.