BMG’s program “Sakmis Kursi” touched on the passion surrounding the draft law.

While the controversial “Law on Agents” is being debated in the Parliament of Georgia, the country  has been engulfed in a wave of protests, joined by European Business Associations and civil society representatives. The sector calls on the government to suspend parliamentary discussions and withdraw the draft law. According to them, the re-initiation of the law has already damaged the image of Georgia and raised many question marks among international investors.

Shorena Kopaleishvili, the chairman of the Association of Georgian Virtual Zone Persons, criticized the law on the transparency of foreign influence, which, in her opinion, is in complete contradiction to Georgia’s European aspirations. Kopaleishvili explained that after the non-governmental sector and the media, the state will not find it difficult to bring other categories of companies or individuals under this draft law, and accordingly, it is necessary to immediately reject this draft law.

Georgia’s European partners, as well as non-governmental organizations and business entities, criticize the law, which they say will undermine the country’s progress, including in the direction of integration with Europe. John Braeckevelt, chairman of the European Business Association, underlines the severe consequences expected for foreign investments and civil society after the law is adopted. He also emphasized the importance of heeding the warnings of international allies.

According to the American Chamber of Commerce, the financing of Georgia by the European Union and the USA contributes to the development of the country in many directions. Labeling these projects as “carrying the interests of a foreign power” undermines their credibility. Also, according to them, the law will lead to the stigmatization of foreigners, and as a result, the potential of attracting foreign investments will decrease.

According to the assessment of the audit company Grant Thornton Georgia, if the review of this law is not stopped by the end of the year, we will see negative results in the direction of employment, as well as direct foreign investments and financing.

The draft law has already been approved in its first reading in the Parliament of Georgia.