Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused the so-called “Deep State” of using EU funds to promote revolutionary processes in Georgia, claiming such efforts are ultimately doomed to fail.
“Everyone sees that the ‘Deep State’ is using EU funding to push revolutionary agendas in Georgia, but, fortunately, these efforts have no future,” Kobakhidze told reporters.
He criticized NGOs financed by the EU for allegedly organizing a rally of 2,000 people to call for the government’s overthrow, calling it a “sad reality,” and warning it damages the EU’s reputation in Georgia.
“When EU-funded NGOs organize such rallies, it seriously harms not only the image of the European bureaucracy, but of the EU as a whole. That’s why trust in the EU has dropped—from 80% to just over 50% today,” he said, blaming European institutions, which he claims are influenced by the “Deep State,” for eroding public confidence.
Kobakhidze also addressed the rally turnout and public disruptions: “Yesterday, 2,000 Georgians came out—this, despite full mobilization, was a complete failure. I say this with full responsibility: at the peak, there were no more than 2,000.”
Commenting on road blockades during protests, he added: “It’s unprecedented that 50 to 150 people are allowed to block the capital’s main avenue. This must be addressed with fines. Society deserves the right to move freely—even for half an hour—on Rustaveli Avenue.”
Related story: Speaker: EU-funded rally urged gov’t overthrow
