Georgia has been roiled by demonstrations outside the parliament as lawmakers debate a package of bills aimed at increasing transparency around foreign influence and the registration of foreign agents. In the spotlight was Levan Khabeishvili, leader of the opposition United National Movement, a party founded by former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili. Speaking to a crowd gathered near the parliament building, Khabeishvili urged commuters and protesters not to lose hope and to stand firm against what he described as measures that could chill democratic accountability.
He addressed the gathered supporters with an urgent tone, emphasizing that the effort was not merely a partisan dispute but a matter of national interest. He warned that the proposed laws could shape how Georgia is perceived on the world stage and could affect the operations of civil society within the country. The opposition leader insisted that citizens should stay engaged, keep pressure on lawmakers, and resist any move that might erode transparency or undermine the country’s governance norms.
Khabeishvili’s message framed the protests as a collective defense of the republic’s political system. He argued that the question at hand goes beyond party lines and concerns every Georgian who wants a robust and open political process. He called for continued public activism and stated that upcoming party meetings would serve as a platform to organize and respond to the legislation, urging the public to participate through peaceful and lawful means while staying vigilant against actions that could compromise institutional integrity.
Within the parliament, deputies faced significant tension as the foreign agents bill process moved forward. Security and crowd management were evident as lawmakers debated the consequences of the proposed measures. Supporters of the bills suggested that such regulations would promote transparency and prevent illicit foreign interference, while opponents warned of potential overreach that could hamper legitimate political and civil activities.
Observers noted that the confrontation surrounding the debate reflected a broader struggle over Georgia’s political direction and its standards for accountability. The opposition argued that the plan to regulate foreign influence aligns with democratic norms, yet critics argued that the rules might be exploited to suppress dissent or to impose political costs on groups without sufficient due process. Throughout the day, scenes near the parliamentary precinct underscored the high stakes of the legislative process and showcased the energy of Georgia’s civic landscape as citizens weighed the consequences of the proposed legislation for the country’s future.
As the discussions continued, many residents urged lawmakers to consider the long-term impact of the measures on Georgia’s international reputation and internal freedoms. The atmosphere remained charged but orderly, with a clear call from Khabeishvili and other opposition voices for continued civic engagement and careful scrutiny of the proposed laws to ensure they protect democratic rights while strengthening transparency and the rule of law.