Georgian PM Kobakhidze accuses critics of double standards over political party bans

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused international critics of applying double standards when assessing political party bans in Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova, arguing that similar measures in the three countries have drawn markedly different reactions.

Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze pointed to the banning of political parties in Ukraine and Moldova, claiming that such decisions had not prompted comparable criticism over democratic principles.

“We have seen the example of Ukraine, where 18 political parties were banned. A number of political parties have also been banned in Moldova, yet no one suggested that banning a political party could somehow be linked to the principle of democracy. In fact, they could hardly have made such an argument because it would be absurd,” Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister argued that the differing international responses reflected political motivations rather than consistent democratic standards.

“What they did not say in relation to Ukraine and Moldova, they said in relation to Georgia, which clearly demonstrates that there is a blatant political motive behind all of this,” he said.

Kobakhidze also extended his criticism to international assessments of elections, citing Moldova as an example of what he described as inconsistent reactions to alleged electoral irregularities.

“The same applies to elections. As you know, elections have been held in several countries around us with very serious violations. Moldova is a particularly clear example, yet no substantial comments were made in that regard,” he said.

The Georgian Prime Minister maintained that these differences demonstrated what he described as double standards in the international treatment of countries.

“Double standards are evident everywhere. What we need is to uphold the rule of law, and that is precisely the purpose of the processes we have initiated,” Kobakhidze said.