Viktor Orban's Support For Georgia's Ruling Party Amid Controversial Election

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban voiced his support Tuesday for Georgia's ruling party following a contentious parliamentary election that has sparked protests and international criticism. This support comes despite widespread allegations of fraud and violence, with opposition leaders claiming the election was rigged. Orbán, known for his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, brushed aside these concerns about the election's legitimacy.

In a significant move, Orbán became the first foreign leader to visit Georgia after the ruling Georgian Dream party declared victory in Saturday's election. His visit coincided with a wave of protests by opposition supporters who are demanding a new election amid allegations of electoral misconduct.

The political landscape in Georgia has become increasingly polarized, with accusations from opposition leaders and the president that the election was "stolen" with possible Russian interference. This situation raises critical questions about the future of democracy in Georgia and its aspirations for European integration.

Was the Election 'Stolen'?

The visit took place against a backdrop of mounting accusations from opposition leaders and Georgia's president, who allege that the election was "stolen" with Russia's assistance. The allegations have drawn calls from the European Union and the United States for a full investigation.

Orbán struck a different tone after meeting with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, congratulating him on the electoral win. "I look at the debate that has erupted around the election, I read the evaluations of international organizations, and I see that no one dares to question that this election was a free and democratic choice," Orbán stated.

The Hungarian leader's remarks came while protests erupted outside Georgia's Parliament on Monday night, with demonstrators demanding a new vote supervised by international observers. President Salome Zourabichvili, who holds a largely ceremonial role, is a fierce critic of Georgian Dream and has rejected the election results and warned of Russian influence.

Will Georgia Join the European Union?

The country's aspirations to join the EU and NATO are enshrined in its constitution. The ruling Georgian Dream party, founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, campaigned on the promise of joining the EU while maintaining "dignity."

However, after a "foreign influence law" was passed in June, which critics argue undermines press freedom, Brussels suspended Georgia's membership bid. Kobakhidze, referencing the party's shared "Christian values" with Hungary, suggested a common ground between the two nations' conservative policies.

Orbán echoed this sentiment, asserting that both the ruling party and the opposition are committed to European integration, despite accusations that Georgian Dream opposes it. He also praised Georgia for avoiding what he called becoming "a second Ukraine," urging the government to ignore criticism over the election.

International Response

Civil society groups have accused the ruling party of voter intimidation and ballot fraud, but proving these claims remains a challenge with a government dominated by Georgian Dream. The Central Election Commission (CEC) stated that it had received requests from opposition parties for voter lists but declined to provide them, citing concerns over protecting personal data.

"Accepting the election result would mean Georgia is lost for its people and lost for Europe for the foreseeable future," said Zaza Bibilashvili, founder of the Chavchavadze Center, a civil society organization. "The stakes," he added, "are very high."

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged Georgian authorities to conduct a "transparent inquiry" into the election, highlighting the country's ongoing "democratic backsliding." In Washington, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller criticized the election environment, citing the ruling party's "misuse of public resources, vote-buying, and voter intimidation.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press