Georgian PM labels EU membership country's "historic choice" tied to Christian heritage

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has emphasised the importance of the nation’s European Union aspirations and dismissed claims of Russian influence in the political process.

He made the relevant remarks in an interview with Euronews, Caliber.Az reports.

According to Kobakhidze, being part of the European Union is a "historic choice" for the Georgian people, rooted in the nation’s Christian heritage and aligned with its pursuit of prosperity.

“To be part of the European family is a kind of historic choice for Georgia and Georgians. You know that we are a Christian nation, and Europe was always associated with Christianity. It was defending it, protecting Christianity for Georgia. So that's why Europe was always a kind of natural choice for Georgia and for Georgians,” he said.

The prime minister also noted the economic advantages of EU membership, adding, “Europe also means a higher level of prosperity, which means development for Georgians. So that's why we are very much committed to this foreign policy priority of Georgia.”

As the election approaches, the political climate in Georgia has grown increasingly polarized. While the ruling Georgian Dream party has framed the vote as a choice between "peace and war," opposition parties argue that the election represents a battle between aligning with the democratic West or falling under authoritarian Russian influence.

However, Kobakhidze dismissed concerns over Moscow’s involvement in the Georgian elections.

“I can say that Russia is not influential in Georgia. There are no political parties where they would enjoy their influence. There is no influence from media channels with their influence. So that's why the Russian side cannot influence the elections in Georgia, essentially,” the official noted.

Meanwhile, addressing a government meeting in Tbilisi on October 24, Kobakhidze expressed satisfaction with the current peaceful atmosphere, stating, "In two days, Georgia will hold very important parliamentary elections, and I am pleased that they are taking place in an unprecedentedly calm environment."

He further assured that the elections would be conducted in a free and competitive setting, noting that this is the responsibility of the government. Kobakhidze also expressed gratitude to law enforcement, particularly Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri and the State Security Service, for their efforts in maintaining peace.

Notably, elections, taking place on October 26, will be held using an electronic voting system, with almost 90% of voters participating via modern technology.

This will also be the first time parliamentary elections in Georgia are held solely under a proportional representation system, with only parties gaining at least 5% of the vote securing seats in parliament.

By Aghakazim Guliyev