**Georgian Government Spreads Conspiracy Theory**
The ruling party in Georgia, led by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, have been spreading a conspiracy theory about the “deep state” on two pro-government channels. They claim that this powerful force is trying to undermine peace efforts and control countries.
**Kobakhidze Speaks Out**
In an interview with TV Imedi, Kobakhidze said that the “deep state” was a very powerful force that had become richer by tens of billions of dollars after the war in Ukraine. He claimed that the US had a better perspective on defeating it, but some EU countries were under its influence.
Kobakhidze also accused the West of trying to drag Georgia into the war and open a “second front” in the country. He said that the granting of EU candidate status was being used as blackmail against Georgia.
**Civil Society Organizations Targeted**
The Prime Minister also targeted civil society organizations, saying that they were disrupting countries and that the Trump administration had confirmed this. He claimed that these organizations were being funded by the “deep state” to cause unrest in Georgia.
**Papuashvili Makes Similar Claims**
In an interview with Rustavi 2, Papuashvili made similar claims about the “deep state”. He said that the ruling party’s warnings about this force had been confirmed by the new US administration. He also claimed that the “deep state” was trying to set up “puppet governments” abroad.
**Diplomats Targeted**
Kobakhidze and Papuashvili have targeted several diplomats, including the EU ambassador to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński, and the Estonian Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna. They claim that these diplomats are being used by the “deep state” to undermine the Georgian government.
**Conspiracy Theory Spreads**
The spread of this conspiracy theory is causing concern in Georgia, where protests against the ruling party have been ongoing. The government’s accusations against civil society organizations and diplomats are seen as an attempt to distract from their own failures and to silence critics.