MEP Tomasz Froelich: NGOs in Georgia misused for geopolitical aims against will of Georgian people

Tomasz Froelich, a member of the European Parliament from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, on Tuesday called for full transparency and the termination of funding for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that he claims are working toward “regime change” in Georgia.

In an interview with Imedi TV, Froelich also demanded the resignation of the German ambassador to Georgia, stating that the diplomat is failing to perform his duties appropriately.

Froelich’s comments follow a formal inquiry sent by AfD members in the Bundestag to the German government. The party is seeking specific evidence regarding claims that Georgia spread “fake news” about the EU and Germany. AfD is also interested in what projects the German government funds in Georgia, why this information is not made public, and whether this constitutes interference in another country’s internal affairs.

“Yes, Bundestag members sent questions to the [German] government. I want to emphasise that I fully respect Georgia’s sovereignty, and it is entirely Georgia’s right to have such a law and to protect families from LGBT propaganda. We, as AfD, also want a similar law in Germany. What we also need is evidence, because we see that in Georgia NGOs are being misused to destabilise the country and seek regime change. I believe this does not serve Germany’s interests”, he said.

The MEP further noted that Germany should pursue pragmatic bilateral relations with Georgia based on mutual respect.

“Germany should aim for pragmatic relations with Georgia, but such interference does the exact opposite. That is why we need answers and transparency regarding the funds allocated to NGOs and how these funds are used to destabilise Georgia. NGOs, as instruments, are being misused in Georgia for geopolitical reasons, and we do not support this because it does not respect the will of the Georgian people”, Froelich noted.

He also reiterated his view that Peter Fischer, the German ambassador to Georgia, should resign, arguing that the ambassador had not fulfilled his duties properly.

“First, we need transparency regarding funding. Then, all funding for NGOs that participate in regime change in Georgia must stop. The ambassador should resign because he is not performing his duties properly. These are the first steps. We want a pragmatic relationship with Georgia based on mutual respect. The German government does not respect Georgia, and this is a major problem for us”, the MEP concluded.