Published on May 8, 2024 at 07:21. / Modified on May 8, 2024 at 07:35.
Disinformation, repetition of rhetoric or methods, undermines relations with Western partners. It has been 10 years since Georgian Dream, the ruling party in Tbilisi, gradually began its return to the Russian fold. However, the ambition of the population is clear, written in full in the Constitution, article 78 of which obliges the government to take all measures which will ensure the Euro-Atlantic integration of Georgia. But in mid-April, the masks fell: Georgian Dream put the bill on “foreign influence” back on the table. Compared by its detractors to the Russian law on “foreign agents” which silences dissidents and asphyxiates civil society, the text provokes major demonstrations in several cities of the country, and the concern of European officials.
Georgia’s pro-Russian turn disconcerts a majority of society, marked by the 2008 war and more than 80% in search of Europe, according to polls. The schizophrenia of power is increasing. Batons, tear gas and rubber bullets are used to silence protesters as in December 2023 the government celebrated the European Council’s decision to grant Georgia candidate status for EU membership. “In Georgia, we are not used to this police violence, but people are not afraid. With this law, a red line has been crossed: the demonstrations will continue,” testifies Tamar Oniani, director for human rights of the Association of Young Georgian Lawyers, the largest NGO in the country.
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