Tbilisi Mayor accuses German Ambassador of ‘sowing division’ amid AfD inquiry

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has accused Germany’s ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, of “promoting division within society” instead of fulfilling his diplomatic duties, after Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party reportedly launched an inquiry into Fischer’s activities in Tbilisi.

Kaladze on Friday said “ambassadors must show respect” toward Georgia’s institutions and “adhere strictly” to diplomatic protocol.

“As for Peter Fischer’s activities, we see that he is engaged in everything except diplomacy,” Kaladze said. “He takes part in violent groups and encourages attempts to divide and polarize society, as well as to promote extremist organizations. It is good that questions have now been raised about him in Germany as well.”

The mayor further stressed that Georgia expected all foreign representatives, including ambassadors, to respect the country’s independence and constitution, acting within the boundaries of international diplomatic protocol.

“We are not demanding anything extraordinary,” Kaladze added. “We simply ask that they follow what is clearly outlined by protocol.”