TBILISI — Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has vetoed the controversial Bill On Transparency of Foreign Influence, which was passed by parliament this week.

During a press briefing in Tbilisi, Zurabishvili condemned the legislation as "essentially and spiritually Russian," stating that it contradicts the Georgian constitution and European standards, and hinders Georgia's aspirations towards European integration.

The president emphasized that the bill, which mandates NGOs receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents, should not merely be amended but entirely revoked.

"This law is not subject to any changes or improvements, so the veto is very simple. This law has to be revoked," Zurabishvili stated.

The bill had passed in parliament with significant support, amidst physical confrontations between its supporters and opponents.

The Georgian legislation allows for the presidential veto to be overridden by a parliamentary majority, setting the stage for a potential legislative showdown.

The controversial bill and Zurabishvili’s veto have sparked widespread protests, reflecting deep divisions within the country. — Agencies