TBILISI, June 3. /TASS/.-- Georgia is now facing a critical moment as the controversial 'foreign agents' bill, which requires organizations with over 20% foreign funding to register with the state, has been signed into law by Georgian Parliament Chairman Shalva Papuashvili. This legislation, termed the 'foreign influence' law, has led to mass protests and has caused tension between Georgia and Western allies, including the European Union and the United States. The law is criticized for undermining democracy and being akin to Russian laws used to suppress dissent.

Despite pressure from Western entities and a veto by Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, the bill was passed, threatening the Caucasian nation's integration with the EU and jeopardizing relations with the United States. It has been reported that over 66 people were arrested and numerous law enforcement officers injured in the resulting protests. The EU and the US have warned that the move will derail Georgia's path to European Union membership, with visa bans and sanctions on the horizon for those responsible for undermining democracy in the country.

The law has been labeled as 'the Russian law' by critics who argue it is modelled on Russian legislation that targets opponents of the Kremlin. Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, has faced mounting allegations of moving the country away from its Western trajectory and towards Russia's orbit. While the party insists on the law's intention for increasing transparency, Georgian rights groups and media organizations are planning to not abide by the law and take legal actions, including appeals to the country's constitutional court and the European Court of Human Rights.

As Georgia stands at a crossroads between further Western integration or a slide back into Russia's sphere of influence, this legislation has become a focal point of political struggle. It has intensified the spotlight on the upcoming parliamentary elections, set for October, which are now seen as a key democratic test for the nation. International allies, activists, and independent journalists continue to scrutinize the situation, adding to the pressure for democratic integrity ahead of the crucial vote.

The contentious nature of the 'foreign agents' bill in Georgia is rooted in the broader context of the country's political history and its current positioning within global geopolitics. Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Georgia has pursued closer ties with Western institutions. However, the new law has raised concerns about the country's democratic trajectory, as it seems to mirror similar Russian laws that are used to silence opposition and civil societies.

The European Union and the United States, key supporters of Georgia's democratic aspirations, have admonished the law as a step backwards for freedoms in the country. Commentary from EU officials suggests that the law could seriously complicate Georgia's EU association agreement and Eastern Partnership framework, which are fundamental to Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration efforts. Similarly, representatives from the US State Department have expressed dismay, noting the law's potential negative impact on civil society, press freedoms, and Georgia's pluralistic political environment.

The response within Georgia has been swift and strong. The streets of Tbilisi, the nation's capital, have witnessed large-scale demonstrations, with activists and ordinary citizens banding together in opposition to the legislation. They argue that it creates barriers to non-governmental organizations' operation, thereby stifling critical voices and civic engagement in governance. The alarm raised by civil society groups has echoed in international forums, prompting dialogue on how the legal framework could affect foreign investment and international partnerships.

Moreover, the legislation has intensified scrutiny of Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, which was founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is widely perceived as maintaining close ties to Russia. Critics suggest that Georgian Dream's motives behind the bill are in line with Moscow's longstanding goal of limiting Western influence in former Soviet states. The party, for its part, defends the legislation as a means to safeguard national interests against foreign interference, asserting that it will not be used to target opposition groups unfairly.

Within Georgia's complex political tapestry, opposition parties and members of civil society have not only voiced their concern but also their defiance. Legal challenges are being prepared, with many looking toward the judiciary for relief, underlining the important role the courts may play in either upholding or striking down the legislation. The judiciary's independence, however, has recently been questioned by the same Western allies that condemned the 'foreign agents' law, suggesting that the battle over the law may, in fact, deepen the country's democratic crisis.

Amidst this turmoil, the Georgian public appears to be divided. While some support the law under the banner of patriotism and national sovereignty, others view it as a threat to the democratic values many Georgians have fought for. Meanwhile, international observers and experts continue to analyze the situation, pointing to the bill as potentially indicative of the region's shifting political winds and the broader struggle between authoritarian and democratic governance models.

In conclusion, as the 'foreign influence' law takes hold, Georgia finds itself in a precarious position. The coming months, and the response of the judiciary and international community, will likely be determinative of the country's direction. With the October parliamentary elections on the horizon, how these events unfold will not only shape Georgia's political landscape but will also send a strong signal about the resilience of democratic institutions in the face of internal and external pressures.