Georgian PM questions German Ambassador’s impartiality over residence rental from opposition leader

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Sunday criticised Peter Fischer, Germany’s Ambassador to the country, for renting an apartment from the family of Mamuka Khazaradze, the leader of the opposition Lelo party, while openly supporting his political positions and raising concerns about his impartiality.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze described the situation as an embarrassment for both the Ambassador and Germany’s Foreign Ministry.

“The German Ambassador has put himself in an awkward position, and moreover, he has put his own state and his Foreign Ministry in an awkward position”, the PM said.

He further pointed to unanswered questions about financial arrangements, including expense reimbursements and tax payments.

“Let’s wait and see the information regarding the finances - how these expenses were reimbursed, the payment of taxes, and so on. All of this is very interesting. When you rent a residence from the leader of a specific political party and then come out as a fervent supporter of that political party, the questions multiply sharply. The public will judge the rest”, he concluded.