Georgian PM urges Europe to overcome influence of deep state

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said Georgia had already taken steps to reboot relations with the European Union and was waiting for a reciprocal move, urging Europe to overcome the influence of the deep state.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze linked the Baltic States’ criticism and sanctions against Georgia to what he called their loss of sovereignty and subordination to the deep state.

“The Baltic countries have lost more of their sovereignty than any others, and this is connected to the fact that they act entirely under the direction of the deep state. Accordingly, and unfortunately, it is precisely these post-Soviet countries that are most actively opposing the Georgian people and the Government elected by the Georgian people. This is a very unfortunate development for us, because we hold special sentiments toward the Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian people. We regret this deeply, and that is why we remain in a one-sided friendship mode with all three post-Soviet republics”, Kobakhidze noted.

The Prime Minister said Georgia had already taken the initiative to restore relations with the EU and was waiting for European leaders to reciprocate.

“As for relations with the European Union, we are in a waiting mode. We are expecting a step from their side toward resetting relations. We have already taken our step and are waiting. We hope for pragmatic steps from European officials. Today, unfortunately, the European bureaucracy is under the influence of the deep state, and this influence is substantial”, the PM said.

However, he warned that European institutions remained heavily influenced by a deep state apparatus, which he viewed as a barrier to constructive engagement.

“If Europe also manages to substantially overcome the influence of the deep state, then relations will improve. We are patiently waiting for all of this”, Kobakhidze concluded.