Georgian President promises to veto 'foreign influence' law as large-scale protests continue

In this report DW speaks exclusively with President of Gerogia Salome Zourabichvili to discuss the 'foreign influence' law, what power her veto will have, and whether the government has ignored calls from international partners.
Thousands of people have demonstrated against a 'foreign agents' law approved by Georgia's parliament. Critic say legislation is anti-democratic and will dent Georgia's hopes of joining the European Union.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:41 Salome Zourabichvili, Georgian President
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#georgia #zourabichvili #foreignagentlaw

[@jptrainor]

It passed with a super majority. She can't.

[@ideally6849]

Since when transparency of media is against Western and European value? Please tell me I misunderstood the whole thing.

[@Robert-xy4xi]

Only when WEF NGOs can't interfere!

[@Melrose51653]

There are already regulations requiring transparency and all NGO records are public. Look at how Putin uses an identical regulation

[@urbansenicar81]

Stop asking her the hard question!

[@danielezurcher5540]

good questions - bizarre answers?

[@Dr.Mabuse44]

04:38

[@Alsayid]

She directly refused to answer when asked to explain what is undemocratic about the proposed law. That says it all.

[@happymelon7129]

A foreign asset

[@fahedsayed2201]

Can anyone explain to me does USA have a foreign agents bill of their own? Anyway when the president of a country says i dont know ask the government this is a very very very bad sign.

[@mishaknopkin2199]

Correct. The first law about "foreign influencers" was adopted in our country ...... the United States of America. All organizations receiving money from abroad (>20%) should report to our American Authorities. All other sovereign Democracies in the World (Russia, China, India, etc.) used our blueprints.

[@TheGrace020]

Full support to Georgias people stay strong! ❤

[@chamberpot969]

Oh, I see. Wanting to know if organisations are interfering in local politics are foreign funded is now undemocratic?

[@aaltag4068]

Yes, I also can't stand Google Ireland, Patreon, and Nord VPN consistently interfering in Georgian politics by giving money to Georgian youtubers. The problems with this law become apparent when you look at how the Russian government is using exactly this law to suppress the opposition. Democracy is when the people decide. They didn't decide to approve this law. No, they oppose it with thousands going on the street even though they are teargased and shot at with rubber (lets be real, it's plastic) bullets.

[@shutup2751]

weird how those type of laws are considered a good thing in the freedom loving USA

[@aaltag4068]

weird how you seem to think that if one supports Georgian protesters they also support the US government.

[@psnaris]

"Georgian opposition leaders in WESTERN countries"

[@fritzraake22]

What's your point Krembot?

[@prajwal1341]

Your right👍

[@domenstrmsek5625]

@@fritzraake22 CIA are you?

[@fritzraake22]

@@domenstrmsek5625 Oh no, how did you find out Sherlock 🤣

[@casperhfl]

Georgia is most welcome in the EU 🇪🇺

[@fontende]

after georgian Stalin which occupied Europe? Where's karma? Someone forgots the worst too fast.

[@FreeStyleBoy50]

@@fontende lmao yes let's hold present day Georgia accountable for Stalin, that sounds reasonable

[@fontende]

​​​@@FreeStyleBoy50 Lmao on you, yes for museum dedicated to Stalin TODAY in Georgia hiding all evil stuff! Don't people asking same from other nations today-from Russia bec Putin? Paradox here is that Georgia hate Russia more-where their native perished 10 millions families by personal orders. Stalin can't speak russian all his life.

[@fontende]

@@FreeStyleBoy50 exactly yes for at least modern museum dedicated to him in Georgia

[@HagenKocksch]

you have no idea what you are talking about.... the EU won't exist in 15 years btw... it dissolved in gaza

[@atomalisaid8127]

Good question, finally someone doing their Journalism, How does requiring foreign agents to register themselves as foreign agents take away from Democracy

[@Jb41523]

The lady herself is a foreign agent 😂

[@mishaknopkin2199]

How many classes she graduated?

[@digibluez]

Russia does not count towards foreign influence but every one else does, makes sense

[@AnthonyCarroll-ue3uv]

Imagine not wanting to know who funds your media. We are not all American.

[@DSAK55]

@@AnthonyCarroll-ue3uv 🤡

[@Thor.Jorgensen]

​@@AnthonyCarroll-ue3uv That's not what the law does. The law does not tell the public who funds any media. It only allows the government to imprison people who have received money from across borders. If you have exchanged currency after a vacation, that's enough to allow the government to label you a foreign agent. If you have received an Amazon refund, that's enough. If you have received money as a result of trade export, you can be labeled a foreign agent. You don't even have to be media. You can be an opposition politician, you can be a protesting farmer, it doesn't matter. If you are a thorn in the eye of the state, you can be arrested and thrown in jail for over 20 years for being a "foreign agent"

[@helios7212]

💯💯💯🤦‍♂️🥴

[@HashiKnows]

She did not expect to have to explain what exactly in the bill is the issue🤣 Just to clarify, nothing in this bill threatens democracy. If anything it strengthens it by having those NGO's and media organizations declare themselves as foreign funded. The US and EU are just mad that this would expose their attempts at influencing Georgian society.

[@IrrationalCharm]

Yeah. Georgia should follow Russias steps. And implement all of Putlers laws. Democracy is truly thriving in Russia. All political opponents end up dead. I mean, it’s a win win, Russian people don’t get to choose who to vote for and Putin gets to win every time!!!

[@HashiKnows]

@@IrrationalCharm Ok I’ll ask you the same question she got asked. What exactly is it in the bill that threatens democracy? Be specific please

[@mishaknopkin2199]

The first law about "foreign influencers" was adopted in our country ...... the United States of America. All organizations receiving money from abroad (>20%) should report to our American Authorities. All other sovereign Democracies in the World (Russia, China, India, etc.) used our blueprints.

[@DSAK55]

That *was* the intent

[@jeffmeyer9319]

So many Russians leaving comments are oversimplifying. The Russian law marks foreign agents AND TAKES ACTIONS AGAINST THEM. It's not just about knowing, so stop LYING.

[@jeffw4972]

Georgia should have used the US' The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) that was enacted in 1938 as a template.

[@happymelon7129]

100% correct

[@murrayeldred3563]

Where is Melania Grabyourvishwilly?

[@mrjerzheel]

Only those that want to meddle oppose this law, so thats the US and EU NGOs

[@happymelon7129]

100% correct . Same in HK 2019 .

[@atomalisaid8127]

Since when is registering foreign agents Controversial

[@Melrose51653]

Look at how Putin uses and identical law and wake up. It's not like your average Georgian woke up terrified of NGO's

[@Am-pk3zh]

The pm of Georgia said they want as to be another ukraine but we won't be another ukraine 😂😂😂 he knows no one will come to their defensives if russia invades them! The old woman can't veto the parliament decisions.

[@AnthonyCarroll-ue3uv]

Imagine the EU warns Georgia, if it reveals who funds outside organisations and media, Then you endanger your possible membership of an outside organisation.

[@OlafScholz-dj2mn]

Georgia must understand that only the American owner can have a law on foreign agents.

[@erikt1713]

I wish they could control their enthusiasm for the EU a bit. They have visa free travel so we would welcome them as tourists. However, we cannot afford another war in Europe.

[@fontende]

welcome a Stalin? He was 100% georgian and can't even speak russian normally

[@branimirsalevic5092]

Remind me please, which Russian sponsored NGOs or media do you have in Germany?

[@IrrationalCharm]

Remind me again how many media and social media sites are banned in Russia? Even Instagram is banned.

[@SeptikAvenger]

What's wrong with a law that specifies which media entities are influenced by foreign interests?

[@Dani-mw2ws]

No RuZZki MIR, no one want to live under RuZZki MIR, No Lada cars,

[@FreeStyleBoy50]

What's wrong is that anything that is slightly criticizing your views, opinions and political agenda (as it was applied in Russia some time ago) will be labelled as foreign interference and be shut down. It's literally in the video.

[@indigo098765]

Because this law will be used to repress all other media in favour of pro-russia state media just like Russia has done.

[@clownworld3913]

Because revealing who is behind pushing all sorts of degeneracy is anti-semitic.

[@yasminesteinbauer8565]

- Restriction of freedom of expression: Critics fear that the government could use the law to suppress critical voices by making the work of NGOs and media organizations funded from abroad more difficult. - Control over civil society organizations: The law could allow the government to brand disagreeable NGOs as "foreign agents", delegitimizing and hindering their work. - Political instrumentalization: There are concerns that the government could use the law as a political tool to discredit members of the opposition and shape the political landscape in its favor. - Impairment of EU integration: The law could be interpreted as a departure from the democratic values and norms of the European Union, which could harm Georgia's aspirations for EU membership.

[@khalidhamid7448]

I’m not aware of how much Georgian politicians are pro Russia, but new legislation seems reasonable, USA would like to meddle always.

[@happymelon7129]

this law block their meddle , that's why they are concern ..

[@dilucragnvindr130]

The law also affects Russian funding, not just Western funded local media outlets. What's wrong about it? It's the same with other countries.

[@indigo098765]

The problem is the state media will not be included and the state media will be pro-russia.

[@yasminesteinbauer8565]

Nobody guarantees, however, that it would be applied equally to everyone. It could be used as a tool to silence voices that the government does not like.

[@delta_glider4362]

Georgia have population I think about 3+mil. Do you really think DW have SO exited about some bill in small nation that making more reports in recent week than about anything else? It just pushing narrative. So obviously bill will hurt these foreign agents in Georgia who sell their country for 30 euro.

[@SpazzyMcGee1337]

​@@yasminesteinbauer8565 You have a good head on your shoulders.

[@j-ch8787]

Funny... Yu really trust what russian authorities are saying? Just wake up pls...

[@cyrusm123]

What is wrong with a country preserving its sovereignty and preventing the interference of its internal affairs by foreigners? Glory to Georgia.

[@the_grand_tourer]

Spoken like a true Brexiteer.

[@IrrationalCharm]

Ah yes, following the same steps as Putler. The same guy that invaded Georgia a few years back.

[@michaelwilson9921]

Very doubtful this takes Georgia off any path, after all the US has the exact same law.

[@FreeStyleBoy50]

I'm pretty sure the US has lots of media that criticizes its own government without them being arrested wtf are you talking about

[@nigelgarrett7970]

No, the US does not. DW does NOT have to register under FARA.

[@yasminesteinbauer8565]

The USA does not have the same law at all. The law in the US (called FARA) differs from the Georgian law in that it focuses specifically on political activities and not on NGOs or media organizations in general.

[@michaelwilson9921]

@@nigelgarrett7970 Of course it does. It requires "foreign agents"-defined as individuals or entities engaged in domestic lobbying or advocacy for foreign governments, organizations, or persons ("foreign principals")-to register with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and disclose their relationship, activities, and related financial compensation.

[@michaelwilson9921]

@@yasminesteinbauer8565 It requires "foreign agents"-defined as individuals or entities engaged in domestic lobbying or advocacy for foreign governments, organizations, or persons ("foreign principals")-to register with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and disclose their relationship, activities, and related financial compensation. --- And then there is the even worse Patriot Act which allows the US to spy on its own citizens when they communicate with foreign entities.

[@chanahyingchan5070]

Zourabichvili is on the take. Just another Peon of US and Allies. 😂😂

[@Robert-xy4xi]

So a majority vote in the Georgian parliament to pass a law, by elected members is not democracy! Very odd!

[@samanthaw4955]

👏👏👏👍

[@davidmaisel8062]

With all due respect, it remains to be explained how this law serves as a threat to democracy. I live in country (Brazil) with similar laws and we have 20+ political parties elected to federal government. Like Georgia we have an independent judiciary and legislative branch. We also have no shortage of foerign funded NGO's operating freely. The only restriction here is in influencing elections much like the US and i believe the EU as well. How is this different? Honest question.

[@hmgrraarrpffrzz9763]

The justified worry is that this law will be used to track down and pressure neutral election observer organizations (that try to ensure a fair election). It resembles somewhat the Russian "law against foreign agents", which is just a tool by the Russian government to track down and ban any foreign organization that doesn't support the russian government to 100%.

[@kacklina]

This one is full of very enthusiastic russian bots...

[@AnchorsAweighNarooma]

Power to the people

[@Dani-mw2ws]

No RuZZKi MIR, NO Lada, no RuZZki way of life

[@Sziasztok742]

stop taking drugs

[@Dani-mw2ws]

@@Sziasztok742 Ivane 🤣RuZZia needs you, but please do not drink to much Vodka

[@Sziasztok742]

@@Dani-mw2ws your level of development is even lower than I expected...

[@Dani-mw2ws]

@@Sziasztok742 lower then Lada, or lower than Ivans like you

[@Dani-mw2ws]

@@Sziasztok742 Do not tallk with me me , go and help PUTOLINI, BE A BRAVE RUZZIAN MAN,

[@robertbones326]

Georgia is European 🇪🇺 Ukraine is European 🇪🇺 Crimea is our new holiday destination ☀️🍺

[@SeptikAvenger]

Literally none of that is true.

[@Stebetto3]

​@@SeptikAvenger Ukraine is in Europe....

[@jsaintr.i.r4018]

Will Be 🎉❤​@@SeptikAvenger

[@nigelgarrett7970]

​@@SeptikAvenger Georgia geographically is split between Europe and Asia. That's why they can play football in UEFA.

[@Sziasztok742]

stop taking drugs

[@RamboJamal]

Why Russia?USA have the same law why not talk about that?

[@nigelgarrett7970]

Have you read the American law (FARA)? Can you spot the differences? Hint: DW does NOT have to register under FARA.

[@barbadoskado2769]

year let's talk about that! in russia you get beat for every second thing you do xd lol

[@ryandunevant7448]

@@nigelgarrett7970 so what’s wrong with every news organization, including Russian news being labeled as a foreign entity. If anything it helps bring clarity and helps show biases towards the news being reported on each channel.

[@RyanBrown-nx8dw]

​@@barbadoskado2769wat happens in america?

[@j-ch8787]

Courageous lady. She is playing her life for this veto. We know russian bad habbits. Putin i threatening by coups now.!. Georgia is a small country. Not france or germany GB. She seems to be tired. Am sad to see what s happening in this country. And democratie. Wonder if western democraties gonna really support this french fluent speaker pdt oof georgia. and georgian people.

[@Riconald]

Georgia will never allow Georgia and Ukraine to join the European Union or the NATO.❤❤❤❤

[@IrrationalCharm]

Krembot

[@maxsmith3580]

Most people are weak, they will sacrifice a lot for comfort and false sense of achievement. But people who have suffered colonial occupation, will prioritize sovereignty above everything. Countries who become puppets end up like Ukraine or Kosovo. People forever beholden to the whims of other countries.

[@ShashotoANur]

Kremlin brain rot has gotten to you. Ukraine is literally fighting a war for their sovereignty, their identity and their survival.

[@TY057]

I ask you to spend less time commenting online and instead on living a good life outside. I came upon you randomly and see you have 100+ comments on this channel and likely more on others. I think such numbers are too high. Absorbtion into echochambers and the endless spirals of news rarely leads to anything good longterm. I speak from my own experience. It is from such experiences I think I see something similiar occuring here. Maybe I am entirely wrong, I hope I am, but if not I ask again. Eitherway I wish you a good day, take care.

[@j-ch8787]

Max... Talking about "puppets"... Russian trolls know what they are talking about, since 1917. Right?!

[@chris24j48]

Good luck to the President!

[@RyanBrown-nx8dw]

Hahahahahahahahahaha

[@HumanitySwatt]

Resects to the PM and and topic.