Georgian Prime Minister and Chairman of the Georgian Dream party, Irakli Kobakhidze, has strongly criticized what he describes as persistent double standards applied by the European Union and other Western institutions toward Georgia. His comments came during the nomination of regional mayoral candidates, when he was asked about the EU’s recently adopted Media Freedom Act—which includes provisions allowing the detention of journalists across member states.

“We are banned from adopting laws that they themselves have enacted in their own countries or institutions,” Kobakhidze stated. “There is a double standard at play in every direction—whether it concerns freedom of expression, democracy in general, or the protection of law enforcement structures.”

Highlighting the apparent inconsistency, Kobakhidze emphasized that while EU nations implement strict media regulations, Georgia is criticized for attempting to adopt similar legislation. He rejected the notion that Georgia should be treated differently or held to separate standards.

“Such an approach implies that Georgia should regard itself as an easy target. This is unacceptable to us. We are a sovereign state, enjoying exactly the same rights as any Western nation. We cannot allow anyone to perceive Georgia as an easy target,” he said.

Kobakhidze concluded by asserting Georgia’s right to establish laws in line with those of developed democracies—ensuring protections not only for media freedom and freedom of expression, but also for law enforcement and democratic stability.