Kobakhidze: Leuville Kept Alive the Memory of Georgia’s First Republic and the Belief That the Country Would Regain Its Freedom

The Leuville estate in France kept alive the memory of Georgia’s First Democratic Republic and the unwavering belief that the country would one day regain its freedom, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said at an event marking the completion of the estate’s restoration.

“Today is a truly emotional and exceptional day for all of us. The place where we are gathered holds a unique place in the collective memory of the Georgian nation,” Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister recalled that in 1922, following the Soviet occupation of Georgia, the government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, which had been forced into exile, purchased the estate in Leuville-sur-Orge, near Paris, establishing a Georgian national centre there.

“Leuville became one of the most important centres in Europe for preserving the idea of Georgian statehood, freedom and national identity. It was here that the memory of the First Republic remained alive, that an important part of our modern history was preserved, along with the unwavering belief that Georgia would one day regain its freedom,” he said.

Kobakhidze noted that after the Leuville estate was transferred to Georgian state ownership in 2016, the government committed to preserving and restoring the historic property.

“The state consistently fulfilled that commitment, and the extensive rehabilitation was successfully completed ahead of schedule. By restoring this heritage of immense historical and cultural significance, we honour our past while also fulfilling our responsibility to future generations,” Kobakhidze said.