Tensions flared on X this week after German MEP Michael Gahler called leaders of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party “Moscow creatures”, criticising recent legislation he says threatens the country’s democratic path.
The remark was sparked by a post from former president Salome Zurabishvili, who accused the ruling party of imposing repressive laws on civil society and the media.
Shalva Papuashvili, chairman of the Georgian Dream-led parliament, responded sharply, saying the MEP’s language tarnished Germany’s image and demanding that Gahler apologise or delete the post. The exchange reflects rising international scrutiny of Georgia’s proposed legal restrictions on foreign funding.
The laws in question aim to regulate foreign grants and funding for NGOs, media outlets and politically related activities. Under the proposals, receiving foreign funds without prior government approval could result in fines, community service or prison sentences of up to six years. Critics argue the laws are overly broad, potentially criminalising routine funding for journalism, research or civil society work.
The Georgian Dream party defends the measures as a safeguard of sovereignty, arguing that foreign actors should not influence internal politics or attempt to fund political activities indirectly. Government officials also stress the importance of transparency in NGO operations and foreign grants.
Human rights and press freedom advocates warn that the laws risk curtailing media independence and civil society activity - a pattern observers say has intensified in Georgia over the past two years with the adoption of the Foreign Agents Law and amendments to broadcasting and grant regulations. International bodies, including the Council of Europe, have emphasised that legal aid, media and civil society institutions should maintain operational independence and protection from political interference.
As the amendments move toward parliamentary approval, the dispute between Georgian Dream officials and European lawmakers underscores the tension between national sovereignty and democratic freedoms. Social media has amplified the debate, with highly charged posts reflecting both political frustrations and international concern.
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Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
The process of evacuating foreign diplomats and citizens from Iran to Azerbaijan through the Astara state border crossing continues on Sunday (15 March), ensuring smooth and efficient transit for those arriving.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jones. A report indicates that Jones was previously known as Robin Gunningham, a name long associated with Banksy, before legally changing his name several years ago.
A widening conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has triggered escalating military strikes across the Middle East, disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and raised concerns over global energy supplies. This live report tracks the latest developments.
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
North Korea fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile on Saturday (14 March), Japanese and South Korean officials said. The development comes amid the joint annual U.S.-South Korea "Freedom Shield" military drills and South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok's visit to Washington.
Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery and a key port in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region overnight (13-14 March), local authorities said, causing injuries and damage. In separate action, Russian air attacks on Ukrainian territory killed and wounded civilians near Kyiv, officials reported.
The process of evacuating foreign diplomats and citizens from Iran to Azerbaijan through the Astara state border crossing continues on Sunday (15 March), ensuring smooth and efficient transit for those arriving.
Israeli forces killed a Palestinian father, mother, and two of their children as they drove in the occupied West Bank on Sunday (15 March), Palestinian health authorities said, and the Israeli military said the incident was under review.
Kazakhstan is holding a nationwide referendum on a new draft Constitution on Sunday (15 March) that could significantly reshape the country’s political system. Polling stations have opened across the country, with nearly 12.5 million people eligible to take part.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened further strikes on Iran's Kharg Island oil export hub and urged allies to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran vowed to step up its response and the war showed no sign of ending on Sunday ( 15 March).
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
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