In a shocking turn of events, Georgia’s parliament erupted into chaos on Monday as a physical altercation broke out during a heated discussion on a controversial law concerning “foreign agents.” The leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party’s parliamentary faction, Mamuka Mdinaradze, was punched in the face by opposition MP Aleko Elisashvili, leading to a chaotic brawl in the chamber.
The proposed “foreign agents” bill has faced criticism for its resemblance to Russian laws and calls for media and non-commercial organizations to register as entities influenced by foreign powers. While the Georgian Dream party argues that the law is necessary to combat foreign influence and promote transparency, critics have labeled it as a dangerous imitation of Russian policies.
Opposition members have raised concerns that the law could jeopardize Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union, as the EU has deemed the legislation incompatible with its values. To address these concerns, Georgian Prime Minister convened a meeting with ambassadors from the EU, the U.K., and the U.S. on the same day as the violent confrontation in parliament.
President Salome Zourabichvili’s representative has stated that if the law is passed, she would exercise her right to veto it. However, with her term coming to an end this year, the decision on the controversial legislation will ultimately rest with the next president, who will be chosen by an electoral college composed of all members of parliament. The unfolding events in Georgia have sparked concerns both domestically and internationally about the future of the country’s democratic values and its alignment with Western institutions.
