PM Kobakhidze claims Macron gave ‘contradictory message’ in Albania, slams EU 'deep state influence’

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday criticised a joint statement from France, Germany, and Poland marking Georgia's Independence Day on Monday, calling it a breach of diplomatic protocol and accusing European leaders of acting under the influence of what he described as a "deep state."

Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze said the message released by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stood in “stark contrast” to what President Macron had “personally conveyed” to him during a recent meeting in Albania.

"What Macron told me in Albania is fundamentally contradictory to the statement that was circulated," Kobakhidze said. "This shows that people cannot make decisions independently."

The joint statement, issued on 26 May, expressed support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while warning of “democratic backsliding” under the ruling Georgian Dream party. It was framed as a message of solidarity with the Georgian people and reaffirmed support for their European aspirations.

Kobakhidze criticised the statement's timing, arguing that it violated diplomatic norms by being issued on Georgia's Independence Day.

"It’s just a matter of etiquette that you shouldn’t make such a statement on May 26," he said. "May 26 is a solemn day, and it is customary to send ceremonial letters and make ceremonial statements. They don’t even follow protocol and etiquette."

The prime minister went further, accusing European decision-makers of acting under external pressures.

“This shows they cannot act in accordance with objective interests, even their own," Kobakhidze said. "All this is causing the confusion that we all see.”