German MEP signals desire for constructive ties with Georgia, opposes interference

Tomasz Froelich, a German member of the European Parliament, on Friday urged the German Government to cease meddling in Georgia's politics through NGO funding and the German Ambassador's activities.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Froelich condemned funding for NGOs opposing the Georgian Government as provocative and noted that Georgia had an unusually high ratio of such organisations relative to its population, posing a significant challenge to sovereignty.

“We also see interference in internal affairs by the German Ambassador [Peter Fischer] - this is a problem. Our party's position is that we should not interfere in Georgia's internal affairs, but respect Georgia. We want pragmatic and diplomatic relations with the Georgian Government. However, actions such as funding those NGOs that oppose the Georgian Government constitute provocation”, he said.

The MEP also raised concerns over reports that the German ambassador [Peter Fischer] rented an apartment from opposition leader Mamuka Khazaradze, viewing it as a potential conflict of interest and provocation if confirmed.

“We have heard rumours that opposition leader [Mamuka] Khazaradze is renting an apartment to the German ambassador [Peter Fischer]. If this is true, then it poses a problem, because it would be a provocation if the German ambassador rents an apartment from an opposition leader”, Froelich concluded.

The German Government has admitted to providing financial support to non-governmental organisations in Georgia but declined to reveal their identities.

The disclosure came in response to parliamentary questions from the opposition Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

In written answers to nine detailed questions submitted by AfD lawmakers, the German Government confirmed ongoing funding for Georgian civil society groups through GIZ (German Agency for International Cooperation) and other channels.