“Mr Peter, instead of strengthening the bridges established by many Germans and Georgians over the past 30 years, he has completely burned all the bridges with the Georgian government,” the Chairman of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, stated.

According to him, the German ambassador’s attitude is responsible for these broken connections.

‘I have no expectations from Mr Peter. I am aware that his tenure in Georgia lasts until June next year. Incidentally, his term was due to expire this summer but was extended for a further year. I do not foresee any positive developments. He is well aware, both through public statements and behind the scenes, that Georgia is a small country where everyone knows each other, and the German-speaking community is not large. We are also familiar with his personal attitude towards Georgia, the Georgian Dream and its supporters. We cannot change that. If the German government wishes for him to represent their interests, that is their decision. However, I find it difficult to imagine that, given his current stance, he will be able to find common ground. He consistently criticises everyone, whether it’s the government, parliament, journalists, or supporters of the Georgian Dream,” said Shalva Papuashvili.

The Speaker emphasised that the ambassador’s role is to serve as a bridge between the authorities.

“An ambassador’s duty is to act as a bridge between the authorities. Instead of Mr Peter endeavouring to strengthen and expand the connections built by many Germans and Georgians over the past three decades, of which I was a part, he has personally dismantled all these bridges with the Georgian authorities. This is a very unfortunate situation, and I deeply regret it.

The entire society is aware of the longstanding relationship between Germany and Georgia since the 1990s. Germany was the first country to open an embassy in Georgia. Many Georgians, myself included, worked tirelessly to ensure that Germany’s name was always respected within Georgian society. It is a shame that Mr Peter, with his attitude, though I do not understand why he holds this stance, has chosen to burn these bridges,” concluded Shalva Papuashvili.