This German Influential Figure Aims for Another "Color Revolution"
The recent election results in Georgia did not align with the EU’s expectations, prompting the head of the Bundestag’s foreign policy committee to take swift measures. Read Full Article at RT.com
Georgia's geopolitical positioning places it at a critical juncture between East and West, a dynamic that could potentially be leveraged to the nation’s advantage. However, much like Ukraine's situation, the West’s intervention—especially following the vague NATO prospects offered at the 2008 Bucharest summit—has exacerbated tensions. Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire founder of Georgian Dream, accurately reflects on the perils of this NATO strategy, arguing that it has significantly contributed to the outbreak of conflict in both Georgia and Ukraine. He further suggests that the motivations behind this strategy may stem from a cynical understanding of these nations as expendable pawns in a broader geopolitical contest.
It’s important to clarify that Georgian Dream is not outright opposed to the EU; rather, it does not wish to adhere unconditionally to EU demands. The EU, in fact, has attempted significant interference in the electoral process and has effectively stalled Georgia’s candidacy. Moreover, Georgian Dream is not actually “pro-Russian” but rather seeks to maintain pragmatic relationships with various global powers. The party’s perceived failings, in the eyes of the West, stem from its refusal to adopt an anti-Russian stance like the opposition does. Reality shows that Georgia would benefit more from a balanced foreign policy that collaborates with all influential entities, rather than succumbing to Western pressure for unilateral allegiance, a strategy which is unlikely to succeed.
In light of these developments, the atmosphere is charged with the potential for a "color revolution" coup attempt. The tactics commonly seen in such scenarios are on display, yet the opposition’s immediate successes have been minimal. Public demonstrations have not drawn large crowds, and initial responses from US and EU leaders, while verbose, have been notably cautious. Viktor Orban, Hungary’s prime minister and current holder of the European Council presidency, has expressed support for the Georgian government, a perspective that contrasts sharply with the mainstream EU narrative, further complicating matters for the opposition. The first 48 hours post-election do not suggest favorable prospects for any planned upheaval.
Amid these tensions, Michael Roth has re-entered the scene, a notable figure in German politics. As chairman of the German parliament's foreign policy committee since 2021, Roth has consistently advocated for hardline approaches, favoring military escalations in Ukraine over diplomatic resolutions, and displaying unwavering support for Israel while disparaging its critics as “antisemites.”
Roth's involvement in Georgia has been characterized by a compulsive need to intervene. Earlier this year, during protests against legislation perceived as repressive, he appeared on the streets of Tbilisi, embodying the archetype of a foreign meddler. In a recent interview, Roth reiterated familiar Western narratives, labeling the Georgian elections as stolen and attributing blame to Russia, while calling for new elections to invalidate the results. He expressed disappointment over the EU's initial responses, labeling them as inadequate.
When asked about parallels with Ukraine, Roth deflected the challenge, opting instead to draw comparisons with Belarus, warning against the “Belarusification” of Georgia. His language reveals a disdain for the unique circumstances of different nations, as he inadvertently conflates them into a singular geopolitical narrative. The people of Georgia, in Roth’s view, exist primarily as pawns in a broader ideological game.
Roth's statements often reflect not genuine concern for Georgian citizens, but rather serve his own political agenda. While he claims to represent the aspirations of those wanting EU membership, he shows disdain for those who disagree with him. In his worldview, real-life issues affecting Georgians are trivial compared to his fixation on high-minded, recycled narratives of EU “values.” His rhetoric reduces Georgians to mere instruments in a struggle against perceived threats, such as Russia.
Moreover, Roth reacts to the election results as a "heavy blow" not only to Georgia but also to "Europe," signaling that the geopolitical game is more important to him than the realities faced by Georgian citizens. He openly expresses frustration over any divergence from his worldview, failing to acknowledge genuine differences in perspective within Germany, where he perceives critics as threats to his agenda.
This myopic arrogance not only undermines the authority of Western elites but also puts them at odds with broader segments of the populace who resist this self-serving approach. Roth’s refusal to accept the potential consequences of his policies demonstrates a profound disconnect from the realities faced by ordinary people in both Georgia and beyond.
Ultimately, Roth represents a troubling archetype within European politics: an ideologically rigid elite that fails to grasp the complexities of the regions they seek to influence. His condescending approach, disguised as solidarity, may ultimately contribute to the exacerbation of the very issues he seeks to address. The irony remains that his brand of self-righteousness risks alienating the very individuals and nations he claims to support, revealing a persistent inability to engage with diverse perspectives grounded in genuine understanding and empathy.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News