Georgian president withdraws lawsuit against "Foreign Agents" law While parliament speaker slams Baltic states

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili has decided to withdraw the constitutional lawsuit initially filed against the "Foreign Agents" law by ex-President Salome Zourabichvili.

In a statement, President Kavelashvili explained that the law was designed to promote transparency regarding the financial sources of organisations within Georgia that may be advocating for foreign powers' interests, leading him to retract the legal challenge, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

In early February, the ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party announced its intention to adopt a law that mirrors the US Foreign Agents Registration Act. According to party leaders, this new legislation will be more effective than the “On Transparency of Foreign Influence” law, which was passed in May of last year. The aim is to tackle foreign funding of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are believed to support revolutionary movements within the country.

Unlike the US version, the Georgian law will not apply to individuals, and penalties will primarily involve fines for failing to submit an annual income declaration. In contrast, the US law also allows for imprisonment of up to five years for non-compliance.

In a related development, Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has sharply criticised the Baltic states for what he perceives as their exploitation of Georgia in the region's political dynamics. 

Papuashvili noted the frequent visits by radical leaders to the Baltic countries as part of a broader strategy that, he argues, undermines Georgia's national interests. 

The parliament speaker raised concerns about the financial backing behind Zourabichvili’s visits to the Baltic states, suggesting that the answer to this question could provide insight into whom she is truly serving in these diplomatic ventures.

Despite acknowledging the Baltic nations' legitimate security concerns—particularly regarding Russia—Papuashvili emphasized that these countries have been using Georgia as a political tool to advance their own agendas. 

"It is deeply regrettable that the Baltic states view Georgia merely as a means to divert Russia's attention from other issues," Papuashvili said, condemning what he described as an exploitative approach to Georgia's role.

Additionally, he voiced concern over the rising activity of radical non-governmental organisations in the Baltic, which he believes are playing an active role in efforts that could harm Georgia’s national interests.

By Naila Huseynova