Georgian PM accuses ‘deep state’ of undermining European identity in criticism of LGBTQ+ rights support

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has attacked what he described as a "global war party," claiming it “seeks to erase European identity through the promotion of liberal values,” including LGBTQ+ rights. 

In his press comments on Saturday, the official asserted that the agenda was backed by the so-called “deep state” in the United States and was actively supported by European bureaucracies.

"The global war party, as Americans call the deep state, wants Europe to completely lose its identity, including the personal identity of Europeans."

His comments came in response to a social media post by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who praised Ukrainian LGBTQ+ veterans and emphasized the importance of full legal protection for LGBTQI people as a condition for Ukraine's closer integration with the European Union.

Kristersson had written “these Ukrainians are risking their lives on the front line and are also participating in the fight through other means. They represent the liberal values that Ukraine is fighting for. Same-sex couples in Ukraine cannot yet marry, but full legal protection for LGBTQI individuals is essential for Ukraine’s EU aspirations."

In reaction, Kobakhidze claimed the Swedish leader's remarks reflected what he called “a propaganda effort fully supported by the current European bureaucracy.”

He further criticized Georgia’s domestic opposition and non-governmental organisations, accusing them of trivializing a bill recently promoted by his government titled On the Protection of Family Values and Minors, which has drawn significant domestic and international scrutiny.

"They said there are no risks or problems here, but look at the trends across Europe - same-sex marriage, civil partnerships, gender marker changes in passports, adoption of minors by same-sex couples. Almost no EU country has been spared. This is happening under pressure from the European bureaucracy," the Georgian leader asserted.

Kobakhidze went on to say that statistical data about sexual orientation among younger Europeans supported his concerns, although he did not cite any specific source.

"In the younger generation, over 20% now identify in same-sex relationships or orientations. This is the result of constant and aggressive propaganda," he claimed.

He insisted that his government was committed to shielding Georgian society from such influence.

The EU has previously warned that respect for human rights, including those of LGBTQ+ people, was a key condition for Georgia’s EU integration progress. Georgian officials, however, have maintained that domestic values and traditions must be protected from what they described as external ideological pressures.