Georgian PM: Europe's credibility at risk without justice

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday sharply criticised what he described as years of Western support for Georgia’s former ruling party, referring to it as a “criminal regime” that was once praised by the West as a “beacon of democracy”.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister voiced his hope for a faster change in the United States, citing the new administration's fight against the deep state. However, he noted that the situation in Europe was more challenging.

He described the ongoing situation as “very unfortunate”, emphasising that Europe represents Georgia's historical choice.

“Criminals have been shielded in Georgia since 2012. Before that, during their nine years in power, they were openly supported by the West. This is deeply troubling. This whole situation discredits the image of the European bureaucracy in the eyes of Georgian society”, Kobakhidze said.

“If nothing changes, the complete discrediting of the European bureaucracy in our country will continue, which is a very unfortunate development. Europe is our historic choice. We are a Christian country and have always looked to Europe. But if nothing remains of Christianity and justice in Europe, it is natural that such processes will fully undermine Europe’s image in the eyes of our people”, he continued.

The PM expressed hope for change, particularly in the United States under a new administration combating the deep state, but noted that Europe’s situation remains complex.

“I hope things will change more quickly in the United States, as there is a new administration fighting the deep state. In Europe, the situation is somewhat more complicated. If nothing changes, of course, the complete discreditation of European bureaucracy in our country will continue, which is a very unfortunate phenomenon”, he concluded.