Georgian PM claims ‘deep state’ prevents EU Ambassador from proper ambassadorial role

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday claimed that Paweł Herczyński, the EU Ambassador to Georgia, was unable to perform his diplomatic duties due to interference from what he described as the deep state.

Kobakhidze’s remarks followed Herczyński’s statement, who on Wednesday said that “in order to introduce sanctions at the EU level, we need the consent of 27 member states, and at this stage, unfortunately, we do not have unanimity”.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze noted that Herczyński was compelled to make statements that severely damaged his reputation among the Georgian public.

“I am convinced that Mr. Herczynski wants to serve as an Ambassador in Georgia, but unfortunately, the deep state is not allowing him to do so”, the PM said.

“Paweł Herczyński is not allowed to work as an Ambassador. That is a clear assessment. He is in a very difficult situation, being made to issue statements that seriously harm his image in the eyes of Georgian society. It is all very tragic and unfortunate”, he concluded.