18% Say the New Law Is a Way to Monitor Funds From Foreign Sources Entering Georgia

Georgia has recently introduced a new law on transparency of foreign influence that requires organizations receiving 20% or more of their funding from overseas to register as “foreign agents” and provide details about their activities. This law has sparked significant backlash, with thousands of Georgians taking to the streets in protest.

While supporters of the government argue that this law will help expose illicit activities and combat corruption, opponents fear that it will infringe on freedom of speech and resemble similar regulations in Russia. This has led to concerns that Georgia may be on the path to becoming the next Ukraine.

However, it is important to note that transparency is crucial in promoting accountability and preventing foreign interference in domestic affairs. The law on foreign influence in Georgia aims to ensure that organizations receiving significant funding from abroad are transparent about their activities and sources of funding. Such transparency can help prevent foreign interference in Georgia’s internal affairs and promote the country’s sovereignty. Nevertheless, the “foreign agents law” has angered many Georgians who feel that their rights are being taken away.

Hence, Real Research, an online survey app, launched a survey on public opinion on the law on transparency of foreign influence in Georgia to gather opinions and insights from the general public regarding the law on transparency of foreign influence in Georgia.

Highlights

• 51.69% are well aware of the law on transparency of foreign influence in Georgia
• 47.55% suggest that Russia would highly likely invade Georgia
• Foreign businesses and organizations would be affected if the law is passed, say 17.49%

A survey of a representative sample found that 52% of respondents are well aware of the newly-proposed law on transparency of foreign influence in Georgia. 33% of respondents are somewhat aware of the law, while 15% of respondents are unaware of the law. The proposed law has garnered significant attention and has caused widespread concern and condemnation from many Georgians.

Next, the survey asked the respondents about their opinion on the law on transparency of foreign influence. Results indicated that it is a way to monitor funds from foreign sources entering the country (18%), followed by a threat to freedom of speech and civil liberties (14%) and a strategy to prevent foreign intervention in Georgia (13%).

In addition, 13% stated that it is likely intended to safeguard Georgia’s national security, and 12% said it is a way to suppress dissent and opposition to the Georgian government. Notably, 15% remained unsure.

Negative Effects of the Proposed Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence

When asked about the negative effects of this law, the majority (17%) said it could impact foreign investments and projects in the country. 16% believe it will strain or limit international relations and partnerships, while another 16% believe it will reduce access to foreign funding, donors, and so on.

Furthermore, 14% said it could cause a loss of trust and faith in the Georgian government, 11% said it could undermine Georgian civil organizations, and another 11% said it could affect freedom of speech.

According to figure 2, among the respondents, 17% stated if the proposed law is passed, foreign businesses and organizations would be the most affected, in addition to unlawfully foreign-funded businesses. Another 17% said Georgian citizens would be among the most affected too. Moreover, civil society organizations (12%), media outlets (10%), and donors (9%) would likely be affected the most by the law. 

Most fear that the law is an attempt to mimic Russia’s own crackdown on freedom of speech and a sign that Moscow’s influence on Georgia was growing. Moreover, in the long run, there are fears about Russia invading Georgia, feeling threatened by the foreign agent law. When the following poll asked the respondents how likely Russia is to invade Georgia, most (47%) said highly likely and somewhat likely (26%).

On the other hand, a minority (1%) said highly unlikely and somewhat unlikely (3%). Lastly, the survey results revealed respondents’ stance on the newly proposed foreign agent law. While exactly 29.84% support it, 30.22% oppose it, and 40% remain neutral about it.