Kobakhidze Joins Global Conservatives in Budapest During National Mourning
By Messenger Staff
Monday, March 23, 2026
Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze traveled to Hungary this weekend to attend the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), a trip that coincided with a period of deep mourning in Georgia. The Prime Minister's visit on March 21 took place just one day before the funeral of the late Patriarch Ilia II.
The Georgian leader was joined in Budapest by Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili and Levan Zhorzholiani, the head of the Government Administration. Upon his arrival, Kobakhidze met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who offered his condolences regarding the Patriarch's death.
During his speech at the conference, Kobakhidze focused heavily on the spiritual legacy of Ilia II. He described the late leader as a central figure in maintaining the country's strength and identity.
"He turned Christian ideals into a lasting source of strength for the Georgian people. Today, all of Georgia is united in grief," Kobakhidze told the audience. He further noted that the Church served as a "guardian of Georgian statehood and national identity."
The Prime Minister addressed the challenges of modern global politics, arguing that nations must stay rooted in their history to remain resilient. He noted that Georgia's 3,000-year history at the crossroads of civilizations has taught the country that preserving identity is the key to survival.
While reaffirming Georgia's desire to join the European Union, Kobakhidze stressed that the process must happen on Georgia's own terms.
"Georgia remains committed to its European integration path. But we pursue this path with dignity, with full respect for our heritage, peace, independence, and sovereignty," he said. He expressed a desire to see a shift in the current state of the EU, adding, "We sincerely hope that Europe will regain its sovereignty, Christian identity, and economic strength before Georgia becomes a member of the European Union."
Kobakhidze used the platform to voice strong support for the Hungarian government while criticizing the leadership in Brussels. He argued that current European authorities struggle to accept sovereign governments that prioritize traditional values.
The Prime Minister specifically thanked Viktor Orbán for his support of Georgia, calling him a "true warrior" for his nation.
"If there had not been the strong leadership of Prime Minister Orbán and his brave fight for Hungary's national interests, it would have been much more difficult also for Georgia to protect its democracy, national sovereignty, and identity," Kobakhidze stated.
He also spoke on the importance of the upcoming Hungarian elections, calling for a process "without the rough interference of the Brussels bureaucracy."
Turning to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, Kobakhidze spoke about the "tragic human cost" of war and advocated for a diplomatic approach. He credited Georgia's current economic growth and internal stability to "deliberate and pragmatic policy choices."
Regarding the South Caucasus, he said the region should be "defined by connectivity, trade, and cooperation rather than by conflict and division."
