We support President Macron, Prime Minister Tusk and Chancellor Scholz’s call for an investigation [to be held]. Such a statement the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of German Parliament (Bundestag), Michael Roth, made after the meeting with the President of Georgia.

“We are high-ranking parliamentarians from 8 different European countries, from different political families. Let me remind you that the ruling party belongs to my party family - the European Social Democratic Party, but for various reasons, we stopped being a member. We are here because we are very concerned about the recent elections and anti-democratic politics. The recent elections in Georgia were not free and fair. Secrecy of voting was not ensured in the majority of polling stations. There was widespread bribery and intimidation of voters. Supporters of the ruling party undermined democracy, raising major questions about the legitimacy of the election, which was confirmed and reported by the international observer mission and Georgian mass media statements.

We support the call of President Macron, Prime Minister Tusk and Chancellor Scholz to investigate these serious claims. Although an independent investigation cannot be guaranteed, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and other organizations must intervene. Until these elections are clarified, the EU cannot recognize the elections as legitimate. If these statements are not independently investigated, we will demand individual sanctions against those responsible for voter manipulation and intimidation. Democracy and accountability must go hand in hand, and whoever undermines these principles must pay the price.

We have to consider all the instruments and also on the termination of the visa-free regime, which is the biggest achievement, not only for you, but also for us, but this is a serious situation and we have to put all the documents/tools on the table that we have.

If the anti-European trajectory continues and there is no repeal, for example: the undermining of the “law of Russian agents” and the principles of the European Union, Georgia"s progress towards the EU will remain suspended. Georgia"s policy is incompatible with EU membership. If your government tells you that, on the one hand, there is pressure on the sexual minority, and on the other hand, the government claims to be moving towards the European Union, it is not true.

We are here to start an honest and constructive dialogue, not only with the President, but also with NGOs, the civil sector, and the opposition. Unfortunately, the ruling party and the government were not willing to accept us, which is disappointing because dialogue is important. If we disagree with each other, let’s sit together and share our thoughts with each other. This is the European essence and that"s why we are here”, - said Michael Roth.