Georgian Parliament Speaker: diplomats mustn't interfare in host country’s domestic affairs

The Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, has criticized foreign diplomats who, according to him, overstep their roles in Georgia. In a post on social media, he stressed that ambassadors should represent their own countries, not act as “mentors” for their host country.

“Unfortunately, in recent years, we’ve often seen diplomacy used not as an instrument of international relations, but as a tool for propaganda, interference in domestic affairs, and even attempts to change governments,” Papuashvili wrote. “Diplomacy should serve to solve problems, not inflame them.”

He warned that direct support for particular politicians, funding of political parties and NGOs, and interference in legislative processes violate the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which requires diplomats to respect the laws of the host country and not interfere in internal affairs.

Papuashvili drew a comparison to Soviet-era practices, where external forces shaped Georgia’s internal affairs. He said that Georgians have enough political experience to recognize foreign interference immediately.

“There is no privilege without responsibility. When foreign diplomats act like local politicians, they must be ready to accept responsibility and criticism. Such criticism is not an attack—it’s a legitimate response,” he added.

He concluded by calling for a return to true diplomacy, focused on official channels and cooperation, rather than personal agendas or political activism.