Berlin has temporarily recalled its ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, citing a sustained campaign of verbal attacks and what officials describe as a hostile environment orchestrated by Georgian government figures. The German Foreign Ministry announced the move on Sunday, stating Fischer’s recall for consultations was prompted by escalating tensions and the necessity for assessing future diplomatic strategy.
The situation reflects a worrying deterioration in relations between Germany and Georgia, particularly concerning Tbilisi’s increasingly strained ties with the European Union. Ambassador Fischer, in his role since 2022, has been a frequent target of criticism from members of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party, primarily for his outspoken critiques of their policies. These criticisms, often focused on concerns regarding democratic backsliding and Georgia’s alignment with European values, have drawn increasingly harsh responses from Tbilisi.
The recall comes ahead of a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on Monday, which is expected to address the evolving relationship with Georgia. Analysts suggest the move by Berlin signals deepening anxieties within the German government regarding the direction of Georgian politics and the potential for further destabilization.
While Tbilisi has publicly defended its actions as a necessary assertion of national sovereignty, critics accuse the “Georgian Dream” party, perceived by many as having pro-Russian leaning, of deliberately attempting to discredit international partners who advocate for democratic reform. The repeated calls for Ambassador Fischer’s expulsion by members of the ruling party further underscore the increasingly volatile political climate and raise questions about the future of German-Georgian cooperation. The timing of the recall highlights the sensitivity of the issue and suggests a potential crisis point in the bilateral relationship.