Tamar Kintsurashvili

Georgian Dream PM Irakli Kobakhidze said the government could reconsider its commitment to the Istanbul Convention, citing what he described as years of Western pressure to introduce “harmful ideology” into the country’s legislation. Speaking in response to a question from a pro-government commentator, Kobakhidze said Georgia had faced “enormous pressure” in recent years from international partners to adopt policies related to gender equality and minority rights. “You know how much pressure we had to withstand over the past years,” Kobakhidze said. “Some people mockingly say that no one is asking us to marry men to each other, but that is of course an exaggerated phrase. In reality there was enormous pressure to introduce harmful ideology in Georgia.” He said pressure from Western partners continues over legislation related to minors’ rights, family values and gender equality. According to Kobakhidze, Georgia’s authorities had previously avoided confronting such demands but now feel more confident doing so. “When we saw it was possible to oppose this ideology, we immediately took steps,” he said, adding that further work could follow in other areas, “including regarding the Istanbul Convention and the legislation based on it,” where he said “questions remain.” The Istanbul Convention, formally known as the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, is the most comprehensive international treaty aimed at preventing gender-based violence. Georgia ratified the agreement in 2017. The treaty obliges member states to strengthen protections against domestic violence, improve support for victims and align national legislation with international standards. Georgian authorities adopted a number of legal changes after ratification, including reforms to criminal law and protection mechanisms for victims. However, the convention has become a frequent target of conservative and pro-government figures in Georgia, who claim it promotes what they describe as “gender ideology.” Similar arguments have been used by several governments in Central and Eastern Europe that have sought to withdraw from or limit the treaty’s implementation. Kobakhidze’s remarks come amid growing criticism from Western partners that the ruling Georgian Dream is drifting away from democratic and liberal commitments and aligning more closely with conservative narratives promoted by Russia and other authoritarian governments. Civil society groups in Georgia have repeatedly warned that weakening the Istanbul Convention framework would undermine protections for women and victims of domestic violence in a country where such abuse remains a persistent problem.