During an interview with BBC News on April 17, President Salome Zourabichvili of Georgia characterized the Foreign Agents law as' a direct provocation' aimed at impeding EU integration and obstructing the conduct of free and fair elections. She labeled the upcoming Parliamentary elections as the 'main test.'

President Zourabichvili expressed significant concerns regarding the draft law, equating it to Putin's law from 2012 and denouncing it as a restriction on the activities of NGOs, media, and international organizations that have long supported Georgia's independence and development.

She condemned the law's reintroduction as a direct challenge to the rule of law and society, highlighting the lack of transparency in the decision-making process surrounding it. President Zourabichvili emphasized that while international organizations supporting Georgia adhere to strict transparency rules, corruption at the highest levels of government remains opaque.

Addressing the narrative put forth by the ruling Georgian Dream party regarding the necessity of the law for financial transparency, President Zourabichvili argued that everything concerning support from international organizations is transparent and readily available on their websites. She raised questions about the decision-making process behind the reintroduction of the law, suggesting potential influence from external actors, including Moscow.

When asked about the law's potential impact on Georgia's EU aspirations, President Zourabichvili acknowledged its intent to obstruct integration but expressed confidence in the Georgian people's determination to pursue that path. She affirmed her belief that the protests against the law demonstrate the populace's commitment to free and fair elections.

President Zourabichvili confirmed her intention to veto the law, as she has done with previous laws proposed by the Georgian Dream party. She emphasized that her veto represents the people's voice and will be resoundingly heard.

Prime Minister's remarks

Despite facing harsh criticism from international partners regarding the "Foreign Agents Law" passed by the ruling majority in its first reading on April 17, Prime Minister Kobakhidze firmly defended the legislation during his nearly two-hour-long press conference. 

PM Kobakhidze began by asserting that opponents of the law lacked valid arguments against it, claiming that the law aligns with European values, particularly transparency and accountability, and defends the core principle of Georgian statehood—national sovereignty.

Despite denials from international partners, PM Kobakhidze argued that the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and the draft EU legislation are much stricter than the GD-initiated law. He dismissed CSOs' claims of financial transparency, alleging discrepancies in their reported funds and public disclosures.

Addressing criticism that the ruling party targets Western foundations and organizations, PM Kobakhidze insisted that transparency applies to everyone equally, including friends and enemies. He asserted that thanks to the GD's actions, pro-Russian forces have practically disappeared from the political scene in Georgia.

PM Kobakhidze emphasized that the law's adoption is a matter of dignity for his government and the country as it pertains to sovereignty and reduces the temptation for donors to finance actions that could contribute to polarization or radicalization.

Regarding the upcoming Parliamentary elections, PM Kobakhidze characterized them as a referendum on the Foreign Agents Law and warned against provocations, threatening a very strict response. He urged President Salome Zourabichvili not to speak on behalf of the people, accusing her of being an agent of foreign influence.