January 1, Parliament Erupts in Brawl Over Georgia’s Controversial Foreign Agents Bill

Georgia’s parliament experienced chaos on Monday when opposition MP Aleko Elisashvili, 46, punched Mamuka Mdinaradze, 45, leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party’s parliamentary faction. The altercation took place during discussions on a controversial “foreign agents” bill. Footage reveals Mdinaradze falling over as other MPs join in, trading punches.

The contentious bill has faced criticism as a “Putin-style” import from Russia. The proposed legislation would require media and non-commercial organizations to register as under foreign influence if over 20% of their funding comes from abroad. A similar proposal was withdrawn last year after massive street protests.

The ruling party claims the bill is necessary to combat “pseudo-liberal values” imposed by foreigners and promote transparency. Critics in Georgia have dubbed it the “Russian law,” drawing comparisons to the Kremlin’s efforts to suppress dissent.

Opponents also argue that this law could hinder Georgia’s ambitions to join the European Union (EU), which granted the country candidate status last year. While the Georgian Dream party has expressed its desire for Georgia to join the EU and NATO, it has also been observed to strengthen ties with Russia. The EU has declared the “foreign agent” law as incompatible with its values.

Peter Stano, spokesman for the EU’s foreign-policy arm, highlighted the importance of civil society organizations and media freedom for democracy and the EU accession process. As the brawl unfolded, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze was meeting with ambassadors from the EU, the U.K., and the U.S. to discuss the legislation.

President Salome Zourabichvili’s parliamentary representative, Girogi Mskhiladze, stated that she would veto the law if passed by parliament. However, her term ends this year, and the next president will be named by an electoral college that includes all members of parliament, casting doubt on the longevity of a potential veto.

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