German ambassador responds to ‘pro-gov’t criticism in media: ‘everyone free’ to express opinion on my work

German ambassador said that the article will not affect his cooperation with civil society organisations. Photo: Deutsche Botschaft Tiflis

Agenda.ge, 23 Nov 2021 - 16:31, Tbilisi,Georgia

German Ambassador to Georgia Hubert Knirsch responded to German media outlet Bild's article calling him 'remarkably pro-government,' saying that 'everyone is free' to form and express an opinion on his work.

Bild published the article Serious suspicions against the German ambassador yesterday, claiming that Knirsch seems to get along with the Georgian government but has a 'rather hostile' relationship with the Georgian opposition and civil society organisations.

The article further noted that Knirsch's wife works at Kutaisi International University (KIU) in Georgia, which was founded by the former head of the ruling Georgian Dream party, businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili.

While the German ambassador to Georgia is considered to be remarkably pro-government, his wife benefits twice from a Georgian government contract and from public employment at the university of an oligarch, they wrote.

In response, Knirsch issued a statement earlier today, saying that the article will not affect his cooperation with civil society organisations.

We will continue to work fort the freedom of assembly, for a pluralistic political life in Georgia and for easing the tensions between political forces, he added.

The German diplomat asserted that he is 'truly proud' of the work his wife is doing at KIU.

 

Knirsch has been the ambassador of Germany to Georgia since September 2018.