Georgia’s PM warns of ‘liberal fascism,’ defends ‘sovereignty’ in CPAC speech

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday delivered a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Budapest, warning against what he called the rise of “liberal fascism” and reaffirming his government’s “commitment” to European integration on Georgian terms.

In his address, Kobakhidze claimed Georgia remained committed to joining the European Union but would not do so “at the expense of dignity, sovereignty, or identity.”

“We are a European nation. Our history, our culture, our identity are all European,” he said. “But the European bureaucracy must recognize our right to sovereignty and democracy.”

The prime minister expressed concern over what he described as a growing, foreign-funded ideological movement that, in his words, seeks to weaken states and public institutions.

“In today’s unstable world, we are witnessing the rise of liberal fascism,” he said. “This aggressive and intolerant ideology promotes gender and LGBT propaganda, incites hatred, and undermines the core values of our society under the guise of tolerance.”

While reaffirming Georgia’s pro-European orientation, Kobakhidze made clear that he saw a divergence between what he called “true Europe” and the agendas of certain European institutions.

“We are part of the true West - the West of freedom, faith, and family values - not the deep state that sees itself as the ruler of everything,” he said. “Being pro-European does not mean being anti-Georgian.”

Kobakhidze also praised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for his “courageous” defense of national sovereignty.

“Everyone should praise the distinguished Prime Minister of Hungary, Mr. Viktor Orbán, for the courageous and uncompromising fight he has waged to protect Hungary’s freedom and national interests,” he said, calling Hungary a model for nations seeking to resist what he described as liberal overreach.

Addressing regional security, Kobakhidze said Georgia had chosen “peace over war” and “stability over chaos” in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, rejecting what he claimed were efforts to drag Georgia into the conflict.

“Since 2012, we have done everything to maintain peace,” he said. “Since the war in Ukraine began, we have withstood enormous pressure - both from outside and within - from forces that wanted to turn Georgia into a battlefield once again.”

Kobakhidze also criticised international media for what he described as a “coordinated attack” on Georgia’s government, claiming it was rooted in Georgia’s refusal to enter the war.

“Our government will always stand on the side of peace, but peace is vulnerable if it is not protected by truth,” he said.

Concluding his address, the prime minister invoked Georgia’s centuries-old struggle for identity and independence, asserting that Georgians would continue to defend their Christian faith and national heritage.

“When a nation loses its national identity and faith, it loses itself,” he said.