Michael Roth: We Are Not Here to Push for Regime Change

“We are not here as enemies. We are not here to push for regime change. I know it's hard sometimes when a friend worries you, but we have to do it. Interventions are important for us as EU member states. It is a normal practice that, for example, my colleagues intervene when there are problems in Germany and we see the future of our member states. We share our positions with each other when it comes to the results of the presidential and parliamentary elections. That is one family. Family means diversity. We are here to express solidarity with the majority of Georgian citizens who are reaching for EU membership and believe in the values ​​of democracy and fair and free elections,” Roth said at a press conference after meeting with the president.

According to the German deputy, he and other members of the delegation are concerned about the recent parliamentary elections in Georgia and the anti-democratic actions of the government.

"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. 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,” said Michael Roth, emphasizing that those who undermine democracy "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, [...]

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 European Union 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 begin an honest and constructive dialogue not only with the president but also with non-governmental organizations, the civil sector, and the opposition. Unfortunately, the ruling party and the government did not want to meet with us. This is disappointing because dialogue is crucial," said Michael Roth.

The chairpersons of the foreign relations committees of the parliaments of Germany, Finland, Sweden, France, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland are in Georgia. Chairman of the Georgian Parliament Shalva Papuashvili and the ruling party Georgian Dream refused to attend their meeting. Papuashvili cited the "unfriendly attitude" of some members of the delegation, including Zhigimantas Pavillionis, the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Seimas of Lithuania, as the reason for this decision. He accuses the members of the delegation of "sowing disorder in the name of Europe," interfering in the elections, and ignoring the country's constitution.