Georgian PM accuses Baltic States of losing sovereignty to ‘deep state’

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday accused the Baltic states of having "lost the most sovereignty" among European nations, claiming that they act under the influence of what he described as the "deep state." 

Kobakhidze's remarks after his election as the ruling Georgian Dream party chair earlier during the day came in response to a question about sanctions imposed by the Baltic countries following his Government’s decision late last year to halt the country’s EU integration until 2028 and arrests of demonstrators protesting the move.

According to the Georgian leader, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have aligned themselves with external interests rather than making independent decisions. "The Baltic countries have lost the most sovereignty, and all this is connected with the fact that they act entirely at the behest of the 'deep state,'" Kobakhidze claimed.

He further expressed regret over the situation, emphasizing Georgia's historical and cultural ties with the Baltic nations. "This is a very sad event for us because we have special sentiments towards the Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian people. It is regrettable for us, it is sad, and that is why we remain in a unilateral friendship regime with all three post-Soviet republics," he added.

The Georgian Prime Minister also commented on Georgia’s broader relationship with the European Union, suggesting that relations could improve if European institutions were to "overcome the influence of the 'deep state.'" Kobakhidze indicated that Georgia was currently in a "waiting mode," having taken steps to improve relations and now expecting a reciprocal approach from European officials.

"If Europe also manages to essentially overcome the influence of the 'deep state', in this case, relations will recover. We are patiently waiting for all this," he said.