PM Kobakhidze: Ill-wishers try to cast doubt on Erekle II’s achievements; in response, Georgia stands as a sovereign, European-style Christian state

“The era of Erekle was an extremely hard struggle for the physical and spiritual survival of the Georgian people, and for the preservation of homeland, language and faith,” Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said in a speech at an event dedicated to Erekleoba.

The Prime Minister said domestic and foreign detractors have recently sought to revise King Erekle II’s historical legacy, attempting to understate his service to the nation and cast doubt on his accomplishments.

“Anyone who judges the decisions Erekle II took superficially, with bias and in disregard of historical reality, in a country standing at the crossroads of empires, facing daily attacks and a dire demographic situation, is deliberately trying to distort our history and belittle the immense contribution of Erekle II. The Erekle’s era was an extremely hard struggle for the physical and spiritual survival of the Georgian people and for the preservation of homeland, language and faith. The fact that Georgia is today a free, sovereign, European-style Christian state is, in itself, the most definitive answer to those who misinterpret and fail to assess our history properly. Today, when the modern world and our region once again face the gravest of challenges, the life of Erekle II is an invaluable example and lesson for each of us,” Irakli Kobakhidze said.

He added that governing a state requires the greatest responsibility and prudence, and putting the country’s interests first, and that Erekle II and his reign were the finest example of precisely this.

“Our foremost priority is to preserve peace, strengthen the country and pursue policies that ensure Georgia’s national interests are firmly protected. Happy Erekleoba to you all. I wish our homeland peace, reunification and strength,” Irakli Kobakhidze said.