**Tax Investigation Launched into Leasing Deal Between Georgian Opposition Leader and German Ambassador**
A tax investigation has been launched in Georgia after reports emerged that the country’s jailed opposition leader, Mamuka Khazaradze, had leased a residence to Germany’s ambassador without paying relevant taxes. The leasing deal between Khazaradze’s family and the German diplomat has sparked controversy and accusations of “tax evasion” from pro-government media.
The Revenue Service of Georgia said it was studying the situation and would conduct tax control measures to determine if any laws were broken. The investigation comes after reports by pro-Georgian Dream media claimed that the ambassador, Peter Fischer, had rented a residence from Khazaradze’s family without a formal lease agreement in place.
Khazaradze’s lawyers have denied any wrongdoing, saying there was a notarized agreement between the parties and that the deal was executed “in compliance with all legal rules.” The lawyers accused pro-government media of spreading “distorted information” about the leasing deal.
The controversy has drawn attention from Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the ambassador had put himself in an “uncomfortable position” by renting a residence from Khazaradze’s family, which he claimed was linked to his vocal criticism of the government.
**Background: Tensions Between Georgian Government and Diplomats**
The leasing deal has added to tensions between Georgia’s ruling party and European diplomats. The German ambassador, Peter Fischer, has been a vocal critic of the Georgian Dream government’s anti-democratic actions, and has faced repeated attacks from the ruling party and its supporters.
Other European diplomats, including the EU Ambassador, have also been targets of sustained accusations and attacks by the ruling party leadership. The tensions have drawn condemnation from Brussels, with the EU expressing concern over Georgia’s “deteriorating situation.”
The investigation into the leasing deal is a reminder that in Georgia, politics and business often intersect. As one analyst noted, “the fact that a jailed opposition leader has leased a residence to a foreign diplomat raises questions about the rule of law and tax compliance in this country.”
