With mounting calls for an independent investigation into reported election violations, Orban stands firm in his support for the Georgian government, disregarding claims of electoral fraud made by independent monitors. A local monitoring organization, "My Vote," reported numerous irregularities ranging from vote-buying to carousel voting, which could potentially affect hundreds of thousands of ballots. In a time when stability and trust in the electoral process are paramount, this episode highlights the growing rift in the EU regarding democracy and governance in Eastern Europe.
Orban Defends Controversial Georgian Election Amid EU Criticism
Orban Defends Controversial Georgian Election Amid EU Criticism
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's visit to Georgia comes under fire as he praises a contested election, raising alarms among EU officials.
In a controversial visit to Tbilisi, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban publicly commended Georgia for its recent election results, deeming them "free and democratic," despite widespread allegations of misconduct. This declaration stands in stark contrast to the disapproval voiced by the European Union and the United States, both of which have expressed serious concerns about the validity of the elections. Georgia's president, Salome Zourabichvili, has openly challenged the election's integrity, claiming it was marred by a "Russian special operation." As protests erupt across Georgia, opposition parties allege that the electoral process was rigged to favor the ruling Georgian Dream party, which received 54% of the vote according to the Central Election Commission.
