Georgian PM criticises EU bureaucracy, vows to defend national interests

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday once again called on the European bureaucracy to engage in dialogue, accusing Brussels of avoiding discussions because it lacks strong arguments.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze noted that Georgia would not allow gender changes in the civil registry or the legalisation of the same-sex marriage, arguing that the EU’s demand to repeal these laws was an attack on Georgia’s national interests.

The Government head stressed that the EU’s position amounted to “a shameful attempt at blackmail”, which, he said, is why Brussels avoids direct talks.

“We are once again telling the European bureaucracy - let us sit down and talk. There is nothing preventing a normal dialogue. Their refusal to engage is proof they have no arguments”, the PM said.

“I promise that in Georgia no one will be able to go to the civil registry and change their record - if one is a woman, to become a man, or if one is a man, to become a woman. This is my pledge. They have this demand across all of Europe. They tell us that if we do not repeal the law that prohibits, for example, changing the entry regarding gender, we will not be given privileges, and also if we do not repeal the law that prohibits the same-sex marriage or partnership. If such laws are meaningless, why demand their repeal? Use logic. They say that if I go to the civil registry, I must be able to register myself as a woman, or if you go, you must be able to register yourself as a man. They tell us this violates human rights. This is shameful”, Kobakhidze continued.

He further added that there were many countries still fighting this battle today, and they were paying the price for this struggle, including Hungary.

“Hungary’s funding was suspended specifically for two reasons: the LGBT issue and its refusal to allow migrants into the country. This is the face of the deep state and the European bureaucracy it controls today. We take responsibility for fully defending our national interests. National interests mean protecting peace and calm in this country and ensuring its economic development”, he continued.

Kobakhidze further highlighted the EU’s demand for Georgia to repeal the transparency law.

“The purpose of the transparency law is to preserve peace and stability in the country. They tell us that if we do not repeal the transparency law, we may be punished by the cancellation of visa liberalisation”, Kobakhidze said.

“The transparency law prohibits nothing. The only requirement it places on NGOs is the publication of an annual declaration. When you represent the interests of foreign powers, the only thing required of you is transparency”, the PM concluded.