German MP raises concerns over EU, German Government’s role in funding Georgian NGOs

Malte Kaufmann, the German Bundestag member from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, on Wednesday raised concerns over the European Union’s alleged funding of specific organisations in Georgia, questioning the involvement of the German Government and the appropriate use of taxpayer money.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Kaufmann emphasised that financial assistance provided by Germany or the EU should serve strictly humanitarian purposes and not be used to influence the political landscape of other nations.

“We should not interfere in the internal affairs of foreign countries. This money should only be used for purposes such as humanitarian aid. However, we do not want to interfere in the internal political agenda of foreign countries, and in this particular case, Georgia. We are monitoring where the money of German taxpayers is going, especially since we know of certain scandals that the EU is trying to fund specific organisations in Georgia”, he said.

He underlined that his party opposes any form of external involvement in Georgia’s domestic affairs and seeks clarity from the German Government regarding the transparency and oversight of such funding.

“Therefore, we wonder what role the German Government plays in this and whether the funds are being used appropriately. We wonder how involved the German Embassy is in all of this and whether the funds are being used correctly; whether something is happening that we do not support”, Kaufmann concluded.

Following growing questions about the controversial activities of the German Ambassador Peter Fischer in Georgia, Alternative for Germany (AfD), one of Germany’s most prominent political parties, has submitted new enquiries to the Bundestag.

The AfD is particularly interested in identifying Georgian NGOs that are closely affiliated with opposition parties and have been directly or indirectly supported by the German Government.