Georgian PM alleges foreign-backed efforts to undermine national identity

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Sunday claimed that criticism and insults directed at prominent public figures and historical personalities in Georgia are not isolated initiatives by individuals, but part of an externally driven effort aimed at undermining the country’s national identity.

Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze said that attacks on respected historical figures, including kings and saints, are part of a broader campaign orchestrated from abroad.

“These are not individual initiatives related to insulting our public figures and historical personalities, including revered kings and saints. This is also an external directive. When we talk about hatred imposed from outside, this is a continuation of the same process”, the Prime Minister said.

Kobakhidze further added that the objective of those behind such actions is to weaken the foundations of Georgia’s national identity.

“The goal of these individuals and forces is to ensure that nothing remains sacred in Georgia and that the country is left without pillars of identity. Historical figures and public leaders serve as pillars of identity for any nation. It is precisely in order to undermine our country’s national identity that they target our public figures and historical personalities”, he stated.

He added that, just as society should oppose hatred, it should also resist what he described as organised activities carried out in Georgia on the basis of external instructions.

“This is being done by foreign agents. Their goal is to undermine our national identity, and we must oppose all of this by every means available. However, this should be done within the framework of the law, including through improvements to legislation, and we need to actively discuss these issues”, the Prime Minister concluded.