AfD MP Kaufmann urges Germany to update Georgia information, respect election results

Malte Kaufmann, a Bundestag MP from the opposition Alternative for Germany (AfD), has called on the German foreign ministry to revise outdated information about Georgia on its official website and to respect the outcome of the country’s recent parliamentary elections.

In an interview with Imedi TV on Wednesday, Kaufmann described the current approach as “very undiplomatic” and inconsistent with professional diplomatic standards.

“What is happening is very undiplomatic. However, as an opposition party in Germany, we often face a similar attitude from the authorities. We are often not treated fairly. The German ambassador to Georgia also criticises us on social media, which is also completely undiplomatic”, he said.

Kaufmann emphasised that embassies and diplomats should remain neutral and represent their countries with professionalism.

“In general, embassies and ambassadors try to remain neutral and should behave exactly that way in a foreign country - to represent their own country with dignity. But what is happening in Georgia is certainly not a good example of this”, he noted.

The MP further stressed the importance of respecting democratic election outcomes.

“I call on them to quickly change this attitude, update the information, and respect the elections held in Georgia. Also, when compared to other countries where the information has been updated, this further highlights the attitude towards Georgia - not only towards the Government, but also towards the Georgian people”, he noted.

“They should respect the results of the elections. This should not become a tool with which they try to exert influence on Georgia through foreign policy. If the people choose a specific government, that must be respected”, Kaufmann concluded.

Imedi TV has contacted the German embassy in Tbilisi for clarification as to why the official website of the German Federal Foreign Office still lists outdated information, including Salome Zourabichvili as president and Ilia Darchiashvili as foreign minister, despite recent changes in Georgia’s administration.