The Diplomat
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation yesterday described as “bad news” the law on “foreign influence” approved on Tuesday by the Georgian Parliament.
In a message on its social network account X, the department headed by José Manuel Albares, said that “the approval of the ‘law on foreign influence’ is bad news that casts doubt on the willingness of the Georgian authorities to follow the path of the EU”.
The message adds that “the freedom of expression and association demanded by civil society in Georgia” are “inalienable values for Spain and the EU”.
The law has been met with numerous protests from opponents and critics, who consider that it simulates an existing law in Russia and that it violates citizens’ freedoms and rights.
The measure was passed with 84 votes in favour and 30 against, after a plenary session that had to be suspended for a short period of time due to a fight between pro-government and opposition MPs. Subsequently, the latter announced a “boycott” of parliamentary activities and said they would not participate in plenary sessions until further notice.
