Speaker commends French President’s approach to diplomats as bridges, not political actors

“A diplomat is called a diplomat precisely because they must remain within the bounds of diplomacy. They should be bridges between governments, not active figures and actors in domestic politics. Therefore, President Macron’s approach is wholly commendable,” Georgia’s Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili told journalists.

Papuashvili commented on French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement that “criticism of France by U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Kushner is unacceptable for somebody who is supposed to be a diplomat.”

“I fully share President Macron’s stance. It is correct that a state ensures its accredited diplomats operate within the framework of the Vienna Convention. This is important because diplomats enjoy a special status, with privileges granted under the convention. In return, they are expected to exercise restraint by refraining from interference in domestic affairs.

To discuss the politics of any country, there are politicians and national leaders. However, a diplomat exists precisely for this reason, and President Macron also emphasised that they must operate within the boundaries of diplomacy. Diplomats should serve as bridges between governments, not as active participants or players in domestic politics.

Therefore, President Macron’s approach is entirely commendable. We observe that many countries themselves become targets of various forms of interference, including electoral meddling. You may recall France’s statement regarding Elon Musk; when they had grievances with him, they clearly understood and acknowledged how important this issue is.

Therefore, I hope this experience will encourage representatives from various countries to view things differently and to reflect on their own actions,” Shalva Papuashvili declared.

For reference, last month Charles Kushner, the U.S. ambassador to France, accused Macron of taking insufficient measures against antisemitism and linked the country’s foreign policy positions to rising incidents of violence against Jews in France.