The German Foreign Ministry has announced the recall of its ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer.
“For many months, the Georgian leadership has been agitating against the EU and also German Amb. Fischer personally. [The Foreign Ministry of Germany] has therefore decided to recall Amb. Fischer for consultations on how to proceed. Tomorrow, the EU Foreign Affairs Council will address Georgia.”
In September, Georgia’s Foreign Ministry summoned German Ambassador Peter Fischer, accusing him of interfering in the country’s internal affairs. The ruling Georgian Dream party blames Fischer for supporting the opposition.
“The Georgian side expressed concern over attempts to encourage a radical agenda within the country, which is incompatible with the principles of democracy and contributes to increased societal polarization,” the Georgian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The German Foreign Ministry rejected the allegations, calling the summons of the ambassador “unfounded.” Berlin emphasized that Fischer represents the position of the federal government and acts in accordance with the Vienna Convention.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused Ambassador Fischer of interfering in the country’s internal affairs and called him a “tragic figure,” emphasizing that his expulsion would be a “gift” for the diplomat.
The ambassador faced criticism for attending court hearings in cases involving opposition figures and for renting housing connected to an opposition politician. Fischer repeatedly made public statements about the risks of the ruling Georgian Dream party’s anti-European course and warned of possible negative consequences for Georgia.