The News in Brief
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
Parliament Passes 'Foreign Agents' Law in Second Reading
The Parliament passed the 'Foreign Agents' law in the second reading with 83 MPs in favor and 23 MPs opposed. This sparked intense debate, leading to the expulsion of four opposition deputies by the Chairman of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili: Tako Charkviani, Salome Samadashvili, Giorgi Botkoveli, and Tina Bokuchava.
Giorgi Vashadze, leader of Strategy Agmashenebeli, suggested replacing "foreign power" with "Russia" in the law to gain broader support, but Speaker Anri Okhanashvili did not consider any opposing proposals.
The third reading of the "Foreign Agents" law is scheduled for May 12. President Salome Zourabichvili has stated she will not sign the law and plans to veto it. After the third vote, the president will have 14 days to decide. If the veto is overridden, Shalva Papuashvili may sign and publish the law, finalizing its adoption.
Patriarchate of Georgia Calls for Dialogue Amid 'Foreign Agents' Bill Protests
The Public Relations Service of the Patriarchate of Georgia has issued a statement in response to the ongoing mass protests against the 'Foreign Agents' bill. The clerics described the tense situation and polarization in the country as "thought-provoking" and called on the government to engage in dialogue.
"Today, at the location of the protest gathering, many young people who are concerned about the fate of their homeland are present. They represent the generation responsible for shaping the future of Georgia. That is why we believe it is time to shift discussions from the streets to the negotiating table to find a peaceful solution to the political crisis. By transferring this process to a dialogue format, we will facilitate peaceful proceedings and avoid harmful consequences for our country and future generations," the statement reads.
Parliament Passes 'Foreign Agents' Law in Second Reading
Giorgi Vashadze, leader of Strategy Agmashenebeli, suggested replacing "foreign power" with "Russia" in the law to gain broader support, but Speaker Anri Okhanashvili did not consider any opposing proposals.
The third reading of the "Foreign Agents" law is scheduled for May 12. President Salome Zourabichvili has stated she will not sign the law and plans to veto it. After the third vote, the president will have 14 days to decide. If the veto is overridden, Shalva Papuashvili may sign and publish the law, finalizing its adoption.
Patriarchate of Georgia Calls for Dialogue Amid 'Foreign Agents' Bill Protests
"Today, at the location of the protest gathering, many young people who are concerned about the fate of their homeland are present. They represent the generation responsible for shaping the future of Georgia. That is why we believe it is time to shift discussions from the streets to the negotiating table to find a peaceful solution to the political crisis. By transferring this process to a dialogue format, we will facilitate peaceful proceedings and avoid harmful consequences for our country and future generations," the statement reads.