Georgian PM claims German Ambassador “grossly violates” Vienna Convention, interfering in domestic politics, judiciary

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday escalated his strong criticism of Peter Fischer, the German Ambassador to the country, accusing the diplomat of “grossly violating” the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and actively interfering in the country's domestic affairs.

“The German Ambassador to Georgia is directly and grossly violating the Vienna Convention, all diplomatic standards, he is directly involved in politics, and he is directly trying to interfere in the independence of the judiciary. This is crystal clear”, the PM said in an interview with Imedi TV.

Kobakhidze’s accusations focus on what he describes as the Ambassador’s direct involvement in Georgia’s political landscape, including attempts to exert pressure on the country's independent courts - an action the Government views as a severe breach of diplomatic protocol, particularly Article 41 of the Vienna Convention, which obligates diplomats to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the host country.

Kobakhidze reiterated that Fischer’s actions constitute an unacceptable violation of diplomatic norms.

The Prime Minister also noted that he welcomed a recent development, where the Alternative for Germany party raised “healthy questions” regarding the Ambassador's conduct.

Concerns surrounding the activities of Fischer have now reached Germany itself.

The issue has drawn the attention of the country’s most popular and high-ranking political force, Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is demanding answers from the Federal Foreign Office.