PACE member Malte Kaufmann slams suspension of Georgian delegation, calls demands for re-elections “unacceptable”

Malte Kaufmann, a Bundestag MP from the opposition Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, on Thursday voiced strong opposition to the suspension of the Georgian delegation’s credentials, labeling the move “outrageous” and “unacceptable”.

In his interview with Imedi TV, the German lawmaker emphasised that Georgia belongs at the negotiating table, especially during critical international discussions.

“Personally, I think suspending Georgia’s delegation is outrageous. They should be here. For example, today we had an urgent debate on the situation in the Middle East. It is very important that Georgia is also at the negotiating table and participates in discussions. I consider the condition imposed on the Georgian delegation - that elections must be repeated - completely unacceptable. I hope this decision will be reconsidered soon and Georgia will return to Strasbourg”, he said.

He added that no democracy is perfect and noted that even Germany has certain shortcomings.

“Even in Germany we have certain shortcomings, which is why election observation missions go to countries and provide recommendations. Georgia has the right to choose its own government. Therefore, I believe this demand and condition - holding new elections - is completely unacceptable. From the general report I received, it was that the elections were largely free and fair, so we should accept what the people decided”, Kaufmann concluded.