Georgian PM: ‘deep state’ prevents independent decisions, citing contradiction between Macron's words and joint EU statement

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday said comments made to him by French President Emmanuel Macron during their recent meeting in Albania were fundamentally at odds with a joint statement issued by France, Germany, and Poland on May 26 - Georgia’s Independence Day.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze noted the discrepancy highlighted that key European leaders were not acting independently and were under significant external influence.

“What Macron told me in Albania is essentially contradictory to the statement that was published. This clearly shows that people are unable to make independent decisions”, the Georgian PM told journalists.

Kobakhidze went further, asserting that the statement released by the three EU leaders reflected the influence of what he called a “deep state” operating in Europe.

“The fact that such a statement was issued on May 26, a day of celebration for Georgia, is in itself a breach of diplomatic etiquette. Independence Day is a time for festive messages, not political attacks. This violation of basic protocol further demonstrates that these leaders are not acting in line with their objective interests - even their own”, he continued.

He described the joint statement as part of a broader campaign that does not reflect the genuine will or priorities of European leaders.

“What Macron told me in Albania is fundamentally inconsistent with the released statement, and this again shows that decisions are not being made independently. There is a serious influence at play across Europe and over European countries, and this is causing the confusion we are all witnessing”, Kobakhidze concluded.

On the occasion of Georgia’s Independence Day, Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday released a joint statement.

“We condemn all actions by the Georgian government that lead to democratic backsliding, as well as all attacks against civil society, the media, and government opponents”, the statement said.