Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has taken a jab at Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, questioning his academic credentials and political authority. Speaking on Imedi LIVE, Kobakhidze claimed that Tsahkna attempted to obtain a degree twice—first in Tartu and later in Toronto—but failed both times.
“These countries do not act independently or sovereignly; they simply follow foreign orders,” Kobakhidze stated, adding that Estonia’s government lacks credible leadership.
The Georgian PM also criticized what he sees as a double standard among liberals who previously made a fuss about politicians’ academic backgrounds. “Where are the liberals now? Why are they not concerned about his lack of a diploma when he had no objective reason not to earn one? He tried and failed—twice,” Kobakhidze remarked.
He further mocked Tsahkna’s position, suggesting that the Estonian minister is more qualified for an “Olympic title in unfitness for office” rather than leading foreign affairs.
The comments come after Estonia together with other Baltic states announced an expansion of sanctions against Georgian officials, barring dozens of individuals from entering their countries.
In early March, Margus Tsanka confirmed the country’s expanded sanctions, stating: “I have signed an order prohibiting the entry into the country of 55 Georgian citizens – prosecutors, judges, police officials, parliamentarians, and others.”
Estonia had previously imposed sanctions on 28 Georgian citizens, bringing the total number of those banned from entering the country to 83.
