Georgian Parliament Speaker calls German politician Michael Roth “thoughtless”

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili criticized German Bundestag’s Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Michael Roth on Wednesday for his involvement in a Tbilisi protest against Georgia’s controversial foreign influence bill, labeling his actions as “thoughtless.”

Papuashvili expressed regret over Roth’s behavior, citing the longstanding 30-year relationship between Georgia and Germany, marked by German aid to Georgia. He emphasized that “such actions not only disrespect the Georgian people but also tarnish Germany’s reputation in Georgia”. Papuashvili cautioned against alleged irresponsible behavior that could incite conflict and urged for appropriate responses, including from respective parties.

During his visit to Georgia, Roth urged Georgian authorities to reconsider the “Agents Law,” expressing solidarity with the Georgian people and urging the government to halt its implementation.

Coinciding with the passage of the foreign influence bill in Georgia’s Parliament, a delegation of foreign committee chairpersons from EU member states, including Roth, arrived in Georgia on May 13. Despite their visit, government officials declined to meet the delegation. 

 

Instead, they were received by Nikoloz Samkharadze, head of the Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee, at the ruling Georgian Dream party office.