Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday accused the European Union and Germany of meddling in the country’s internal affairs, claiming their support for anti-government protests amounted to “gross and direct interference.”

The sharp remarks came after European Commission foreign affairs spokeswoman Anitta Hipper expressed solidarity with demonstrators, praising their defense of “European values, democracy, and freedom of speech.” Kobakhidze responded by warning that such statements risked fueling radicalism, deepening political polarization, and undermining Georgian citizens’ trust in the EU.

Adding to the diplomatic fallout, Kobakhidze confirmed that German Ambassador to Tbilisi Peter Fischer had been summoned to the Foreign Ministry over alleged violations of the Vienna Convention. The prime minister accused Fischer of siding with the opposition, exerting pressure on Georgia’s judiciary, and openly criticizing the government.

“Mr. Fischer is directly involved in the activities of the radical opposition,” Kobakhidze told reporters, accusing the diplomat of aligning himself with protest leaders in a way that crossed accepted diplomatic boundaries.

Georgia has witnessed recurring demonstrations since November 2024, when the government announced that EU accession talks would be delayed until 2028. The postponement sparked discontent among pro-European groups, with opposition parties spearheading regular rallies demanding political change.

The main opposition force, the United National Movement—founded by jailed former president Mikheil Saakashvili—has vowed to mount a “peaceful revolution” during the upcoming local elections on October 4.

European officials, meanwhile, continue to voice support for the protesters, while Tbilisi insists that such remarks and actions amount to inappropriate interference in domestic politics. The standoff highlights a growing rift between Georgia’s ruling authorities and its Western partners at a critical moment for the country’s democratic trajectory and foreign policy orientation. (ILKHA)