Georgian Parliament Speaker backs Macron’s call for diplomats to respect Vienna Convention

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Monday said he fully shared the French President Emmanuel Macron’s approach that “it is correct when the state ensures that accredited diplomats in the country act within the framework of the Vienna Convention”.

In his remarks, Papuashvili noted that while foreign diplomats enjoy certain privileges, these come with the responsibility to refrain from meddling in domestic politics in a host country.

“For discussions about a country’s political course, there are politicians and the leadership of that country. President Macron rightly noted that diplomats should remain within the scope of diplomacy, serving as a bridge between governments rather than becoming actors in internal politics. His position is entirely commendable”, the Speaker said.

He further added that recent international examples - including France’s own concerns about foreign influence in its elections - demonstrate the importance of upholding these principles.

“We see that when countries themselves become subjects of such interference - for example, France’s concerns over election meddling involving Elon Musk - they realise how important this principle is. I hope this experience will make various representatives reflect on their actions”, Papuashvili concluded.

President Macron earlier criticised US Ambassador Charles Kushner, calling his public remarks about France “unacceptable” for a diplomat.