Michael Roth, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag, underscored the EU’s solidarity with the Georgian people, clarifying that the EU delegation’s visit was not about advocating ‘regime change’ but supporting democratic values.

“We are here as friends of the Georgian people.  We are not here as enemies.  We are not here to promote a regime change,” Roth stated during a press conference following his meeting with President Salome Zourabichvili.

Roth expressed serious concerns regarding Georgia’s recent elections.

“We are here because we are extremely concerned over the recent elections and the anti-democratic policies of the current Georgian government.  The recent elections in Georgia were not free or fair. In most polling stations ballot secrecy was not guaranteed. Widespread vote buying, voter intimidation, and threats against opposition members and their supporters have undermined the democratic process.

Raising serious concerns about the legitimacy of the results. This has been established by the International Election Observation Mission and by independent Georgian media and civil society organizations,” said Michael Roth.

Roth called for an independent international investigation, a step supported by figures like Emmanuel Macron, Donald Tusk, and Olaf Scholz. He emphasized that, without a credible investigation, the EU cannot recognize the election results.

“It’s not OSCE/ODIHR mandate to tell you the elections were not free or fair.  That is our obligation,” he stated, adding “If an independent Georgian investigation can’t be ensured, international bodies such as the Council of Europe, OSCE, and the EU must step in.  Without clarification of these allegations, the EU can’t recognize these elections as legitimate.  If these allegations are not independently investigated,  we will call for individual sanctions against those responsible for election manipulation and voter intimidation”.

He also signaled possible sanctions, including the suspension of Georgia’s visa-free travel agreement with the EU.

“We have to discuss about all tools,  also about the suspension of the free visa regime. I know this is an extremely important achievement, not just for you, but also for us, but in the end,  it’s a serious situation and we have to put all the instruments we have on the table,” he declared.

Roth highlighted the EU’s commitment to democratic values, urging the Georgian government to repeal restrictive laws like the Transparency Law.

“We stand firmly with the Georgian people in their commitment to European values of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.  However,  if the current government continues its anti-European trajectory, fails to repeal laws like the ‘Russian agent law’, and persists in undermining EU principles, Georgia’s progress toward EU membership will remain stalled,” he added.

Roth criticized the Georgian ruling party for its unwillingness to engage in dialogue with the EU delegation. He stated that EU enlargement, including the role of national parliaments, remains a vital EU tool, signalling that Georgia’s EU accession will require substantial democratic reforms. Roth assured that the EU will closely monitor developments in Georgia.

He expressed an understanding of Georgian citizens’ concerns about war and aggression, emphasizing that these fears are justified. He pointed out that the Georgian opposition underestimated these concerns.

“I fully understand that people feel unsafe.  I understand, especially here in your country, because again, 20% of your territory is under Russian occupation.  That is a disgrace.  Germans, French, we all in Europe closed our eyes in 2008.  We were far away as friends and allies,  but we try to learn from our mistakes. So I think we have to take these worries and concerns in your society extremely serious. War is a total disaster. We have to form a huge coalition against the global war party – Russia.  That’s one of our main objectives,  why we are here.  All of you are welcome to join us,” he concluded.