Georgian PM questions authenticity of European support for democracy

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that the statements made by Emmanuel Macron, Donald Tusk, and Friedrich Merz clearly reveal the dominance of a so-called "deep state" in Europe. 

He pointed out that what Macron told him personally during their meeting in Albania fundamentally contradicts the joint statement released by the three leaders, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

Kobakhidze said, “As for the tripartite statement, it clearly shows that the 'deep state' is operating in Europe. This is evident in everything. Let us leave aside everything else — basic ethics require that such statements should not be published on May 26. It is a holiday, and on such a day, it is customary to send congratulatory letters. They did not even follow protocol or etiquette. This shows that they are not acting according to objective interests, even their own. They have to act in a way that does not correspond to their interests. This is very sad and regrettable.”

Kobakhidze further explained that the contradiction between Macron’s private remarks and the public statement indicates that decision-makers in Europe are not free to act independently. “What Macron told me in Albania contradicts, in essence, the statement that was circulated. It also shows that people cannot make decisions on their own. There is a very serious influence on Europe and European countries, and all this causes the confusion we all observe,” he said.

The joint statement referenced by Kobakhidze was issued on the occasion of Georgia’s Independence Day by French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The statement said:

“We condemn all actions by the Georgian authorities that lead to democratic backsliding, as well as all attacks on civil society, media, and opponents of the government. Freedom of expression and freedom of assembly must be protected. Cases of excessive violence must be investigated. Laws that contradict European standards must be changed, and the process of necessary reforms must be resumed. The Georgian authorities must restore dialogue with the opposition and civil society. The people of Georgia must not be deprived of the opportunity to continue on the European path.”