Michael Roth, a German politician, visited Tbilisi on January 13. He met with the Georgian opposition and media representatives. Roth supports new elections in Georgia and Western sanctions against the ruling party.
Roth called the current crisis in Georgia a “serious conflict between autocracy and liberal democracy”. He said that the only way to solve this problem is through new, free, and fair elections.
Roth also stated that he doesn’t see any chance for Georgia to return to the European track with its current government. He believes that new elections are necessary for a new, legitimate government to be formed.
At a protest rally on Rustaveli Avenue, Roth said that protesters are fighting for European values, not just better living conditions. He praised their efforts and encouraged other EU countries to support them.
Roth also met with opposition leaders, who told him that Georgians should expect even more protests and greater unity in the coming days. They added that Germany is making decisions about Georgia without waiting for other EU countries.
Later, Roth joined protesters on Rustaveli Avenue and wrote on social media that he was proud to join them. He also met with independent media representatives, emphasizing the importance of press freedom in democracy.
On January 15, Roth held talks with President Salome Zurabishvili, thanking her for their conversation about Georgia’s path towards EU and NATO membership.
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