Georgian PM slams deep state for employing Soviet KGB methods through European bureaucracy

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said the deep state was acting using the same tactics as the Soviet KGB used to.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze noted that foreign forces were once again targeting the country’s sovereignty, just as they did 36 years ago.

“In 1989, there was a foreign force acting against Georgia’s national interests - a different one, but still a foreign one. Today, too, there is a foreign force working against our national interests”, the PM said.

Kobakhidze described the remarks on the April 9 anniversary as being misrepresented through “empty speculation”.

“I did draw an equivalence because the deep state today is operating with exactly the same methods as the Soviet KGB did 36 years ago. The only difference is that now, instead of the Soviet Union, European bureaucracies and bodies are being used. The tactics haven’t changed. The deep state is acting with Soviet KGB-style methods, and most concerning is that it’s doing so through European bureaucracy. This must come to an end”, he noted.

“We will do everything to protect our national interests and the interests of our society. What our society needs is unity - not hatred or division. That’s where our focus will be: preventing anyone from artificially splitting the public and instead working toward unifying it”, he continued.

Kobakhidze stressed that his Government would maintain a clear and firm stance in defence of Georgia’s national interests.

“We are the Government - the Government of everyone – and we must care for every citizen. That includes even those who, driven by external agendas, are artificially spreading hate in our society. They, too, must be redirected onto the right path”, Kobakhidze concluded.