Orbán supports Georgia's ruling party despite allegations of election fraud
Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán (photo: Getty Images)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán supported Georgia's ruling party on Tuesday, stating that its victory in the parliamentary elections was free and democratic, despite mass protests from the opposition, which claims that the election results were rigged, reports AP.
Orbán became the first foreign leader to visit Georgia after the Saturday elections, in which the ruling party, Georgian Dream, was declared the winner by the country's electoral commission.
The President of Georgia and the opposition claimed that the elections were stolen with the help of Russia, alleging widespread electoral fraud and violence. The EU and the US have called for an investigation.
However, Orbán offered a different assessment following his meeting with his counterpart, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, congratulating him on his party's victory.
"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.
He noted that both the opposition and the ruling party in Georgia are committed to European integration.
"While you are pursuing a pro-European policy, you have not allowed your country to become a second Ukraine," Orbán said, urging Kobakhidze to ignore any criticism regarding the elections.
Elections in Georgia
On October 26, parliamentary elections were held in Georgia.
Exit polls released after the closure of polling stations showed conflicting results.
Opposition parties have declared their refusal to recognize the election results, with some discussing preparations for street protests.
International observers reported significant violations during the elections in Georgia.
For more information on how the West is responding to the elections in Georgia, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.
