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The News in Brief

Monday, October 20, 2025
Prepared by Messenger Staff

Germany Recalls Ambassador to Georgia Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions

Berlin has recalled its ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, for consultations, citing repeated verbal attacks from Georgian Dream leaders against the European Union, Germany, and the diplomat himself. The German Foreign Office said that the decision was prompted by months of "agitating" directed at Fischer and the country's wider European ties.

"For many months, the Georgian leadership has been agitating against the EU, Germany, also German Ambassador Fischer personally," the ministry said in a statement on X on October 19. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul made the decision to bring Fischer back "for consultations on how to proceed," the statement added. The ministry also noted that the issue would be discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council the following day.

Georgia's 5th president, Salome Zourabichvili, commented on the situation on X, emphasizing that the ambassador's recall reflects the Georgian government's actions rather than a withdrawal of European support. "This is not Europe turning its back. This is the Georgian government deviating from the will of the people. Yet, the Georgian people still choose Europe, every day, with courage and hope," she wrote.



Authorities Raid Homes of Former Georgian Officials, Seizing Millions in Cash and Valuables

Georgia's security services have carried out large-scale searches targeting several former senior officials, seizing more than seven million dollars in cash along with jewelry, artwork, and electronic devices. The raids, conducted on October 17, focused on the residences of ex-Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, former security chief Grigol Liluashvili, former Prosecutor General Otar Partskhaladze, and a number of their associates.

The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) confirmed the operation the following day, saying the searches took place at 24 different properties in Tbilisi and multiple regions, including Borjomi, Vani, and Dedoplistskaro. Officials said the effort involved hundreds of investigators and prosecutors.

SSSG Anti-Corruption Agency head Emzar Gagnidze told reporters that the seized materials included millions in foreign and local currency, nearly two hundred items of jewelry and luxury watches, valuable paintings, large quantities of documents, and numerous electronic devices. He said investigators are examining the materials to establish the origin of the money and determine whether criminal activity was involved.

While authorities displayed images of the confiscated assets, they did not specify who owned the cash or to which investigation the searches were connected. Prosecutors have described the raids as part of ongoing corruption-related cases but have not provided further details.

Properties linked to other figures, including jailed former Deputy Economy Minister Romeo Mikautadze and several individuals connected to the ex-officials, were also searched.