German Bundestag official calls on Georgian Gov’t to withdraw controversial bill on foreign influence

Michael Roth, the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag who is on a visit to Georgia, on Monday said he could not see a “chance for a bright future for Georgia” without the Government withdrawing a controversial bill on transparency of foreign influence that has sparked public protests in the country.

In his remarks, Roth noted he would appeal to the Georgian Government to withdraw the bill, which passed its third and final hearing at the Parliament earlier during the day.

“I am honoured to be part of the European delegation, including my colleagues from the European Parliament, to send a clear message. We are friends of Georgia, we are friends of the Georgian people. We are extremely committed to Georgia's place at the heart of Europe, and this means that we are working hard on Georgia's path to the European Union”, he said.

I do not see any chance for a bright future for Georgia if the Government does not withdraw this law. My gratitude goes to the people who are holding a peaceful demonstration in the streets. Tbilisi is the real capital of Europe in this period full of challenges”, the lawmaker added.

Ana Buchukuri, an MP from the opposition For Georgia party, said a meeting with chairs of foreign affairs committees of parliaments of several EU member states on Monday had reviewed the ongoing developments in the country.

She added it was “clear to everyone that it is not only about the adoption of one law, but about a much more systemic problem” with the legislative piece.

Tamar Kordzaia, an opposition MP, noted the visit of a delegation was a “firm” support of Georgian public and citizens as “they see that Georgian citizens are fighting for European integration, which the Georgian Dream party furiously opposes”.

The Chairs of the Foreign Relations Committee of Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania are on a visit to Tbilisi and meet with the representatives of the parliamentary opposition.