Germany’s ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, is facing renewed criticism from Georgian government officials, now centered around allegations of a purported “corruption scandal”. The German Foreign Office has refuted the claims.
According to pro-government media outlets in Georgia, Fischer allegedly rented a high-value property belonging to the family of opposition leader Mamuka Khazaradze without a formal rental agreement. Khazaradze has been in detention for weeks after refusing to appear before a parliamentary commission. Tax authorities are now accusing his wife of “tax evasion” including regarding the rental to the German ambassador.
The German Embassy in Georgia declined to comment when contacted by the dts news agency. However, the Khazaradze family has denied the allegations, stating through their lawyer that a legally sound, notarized rental agreement exists. They assert that any undocumented collaboration with the German diplomatic representation is impossible.
Despite the denial, representatives of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party continue to publicly criticize Ambassador Fischer. Archil Gorduladze, Chairman of the Parliamentary Legal Committee, questioned how a diplomat could rent property from someone involved in politics while claiming impartiality. Gia Volski, a Member of Parliament and First Deputy Speaker, accused the ambassador of “political corruption.
A spokesperson for the German Foreign Office stated on Friday, in response to a query from dts, that the allegations of corruption involving the German ambassador to Georgia are unequivocally rejected. The spokesperson also emphasized that the Foreign Office is closely monitoring developments in Georgia concerning the rule of law and human rights with significant concern.
Ambassador Fischer, in office since 2022, has previously been subjected to strong reactions from local authorities due to his outspoken criticism of the policies of “Georgian Dream”. Pro-government members of parliament have previously discussed the possibility of his expulsion.
Since November 2024, Georgian citizens have been demonstrating against the perceived shift by “Georgian Dream” away from European integration, despite reported intimidation tactics, violence towards protesters, the detention of opposition leaders and restrictions on freedom of assembly and the media. A spokesperson for the German Foreign Office stated to dts on Friday that it is incumbent upon those responsible to do everything possible to end the deep political crisis and restore public trust in Georgia.
