Michael Roth, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the German Bundestag, arrived in Georgia today.

Shalva Papuashvili, Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, stated that the ruling Georgian Dream party has no intention of meeting Roth, citing his recent insults toward the Georgian people, the church, and the country’s elected government.

“Roth came to support the opposition, and it will likely fall to them to meet him,” Papuashvili remarked.

“He insulted our people and our democracy by participating in anti-government demonstrations as a foreign politician. This shows a lack of respect for Georgia. It is disappointing that he has not expressed any remorse for his statements. When he chooses to support the opposition, it constitutes foreign interference in our elections. The opposition appears to align themselves with his views, including his disrespect toward our church and government. On October 26, the Georgian people will have the chance to decide whether to heed Roth’s advice or follow their own path,” the Speaker stated.

Papuashvili further emphasized that Roth’s visit represents interference in the electoral process.

“Typically, such actions do not go unnoticed by international monitoring missions, and I hope they will reflect this in their reports,” he added.

Parliamentary majority member Levan Machavariani stated that meeting with Roth is off the table until he apologizes for his offensive remarks.

“A sincere apology is a prerequisite for any discussion with him,” Machavariani said.

Irakli Zarkua, another member of the majority, asserted that Roth’s ideals do not align with those of the ruling party.

“His visit is clearly to meet with the radical opposition, and we will not engage until he offers apologies to the church and the Georgian people. His agenda seems to align more with their values, not ours.”

Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi, questioned the purpose of Roth’s presence, stating, “I have no interest in speaking with someone who disrespects Georgia and its people while we actively campaign and connect with our citizens.”

Nikoloz Samkharadze, a parliamentary majority member, reiterated that Roth insulted the Georgian church, people, and culture, further cementing the refusal to engage.

“Until he apologizes for his statements—including derogatory comments about our Orthodoxy and national interests—there will be no meeting. His participation in an opposition rally also constitutes interference in our internal affairs,” Samkharadze concluded.

On May 14, 2024, Michael Roth, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag, visited Georgia and stated at a press conference: “How will you create a bright future without the young generation? Only with the Orthodox Church, the ruling party’s closest ally? Good luck with that.”