Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, sharply criticized Germany’s Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, accusing him of damaging Georgian-German relations and undermining the institution of diplomacy.
Speaking at a briefing in parliament, Papuashvili claimed that Fischer would remain in the memory of Georgian society as “the German Ambassador who posed against the background of a fascist slogan” and who referred to individuals involved in an incident targeting a female MP and her minor child as “the future of Georgia.”
“Peter Fischer will remain in the minds of Georgian society as the German Ambassador who posed against the background of a fascist slogan, and who called the people who attacked a female MP and her minor child whilst chanting a fascist slogan the future of Georgia,” Papuashvili said.
Parliament speaker claimed that Fischer had dismantled three decades of Georgian-German friendship during his diplomatic tenure.
“It is the greatest tragedy of Georgian-German relations that this man demolished thirty years of friendship in three years and reduced it to a point where today, Germany’s representative in Georgia is synonymous with abetting, inciting, and supporting violence, disinformation, and propaganda,” Papuashvili declared.
Papuashvili also criticized Fischer over remarks regarding the so-called “Deep State,” accusing the ambassador of mocking Georgians as well as public figures in the United States and the United Kingdom who have referenced the concept.
“He is, in effect, mocking Georgians. But he is simultaneously mocking Americans when he suggests the Deep State is some invention; he is mocking US President Trump. He is mocking former British Prime Minister Liz Truss,” Papuashvili said, describing Fischer’s tone as “contemptuous.”
The parliament speaker further argued that the German ambassador had harmed not only bilateral relations, but also the broader institution of diplomatic representation in Georgia.
“It is regrettable that, beyond the very considerable harm he has done to Georgian-German relations, he has damaged the institution of ambassadorship in general terms,” Papuashvili stated, adding that Fischer had contributed to a perception among Georgians that foreign ambassadors may pursue interests harmful to the country.
Papuashvili also referred to Fischer’s reported upcoming departure from Georgia, saying the damage caused to Georgian-German relations and to trust in diplomatic institutions had left a “deep and lasting impression” on Georgian society.
Header image: Imedinews
