Hungary celebrates Georgia's election win amid EU criticism
"Saturday's elections in Georgia were won not by those favored by Brussels and the liberal mainstream, but by the pro-sovereignty, pro-peace, and pro-family ruling party," wrote Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Péter Szijjártó. Viktor Orbán is expected to appear in Tbilisi on Monday.
11:49 AM EDT, October 28, 2024
Commenting on the election results in Georgia, Szijjártó remarked, "Since the liberals suffered a crushing defeat, the attacks immediately began: the elections were not fair, there is no democracy in Georgia, etc., etc..."
Hungarians praise election outcome
"The most pathetic thing is that one of the main critics is the Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, whose party was defeated yesterday in the eyes of Lithuanian voters. We congratulate the Georgian Dream party for gaining and maintaining the trust of Georgian society, and we are ready to develop cooperation based on mutual respect and to support the European integration process," wrote the Hungarian Foreign Minister on Facebook.
Attack from Hungary "in line with predictions"
Dominik Héjj, a political scientist specializing in Hungarian affairs, believes that Hungary's criticism of the EU is "in line with predictions."
Orbán travels to Tbilisi; protests expected today
As reported by the media, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced a visit to Georgia on Monday. He personally intends to congratulate the ruling party on their election victory. The Hungarian government leader extended his congratulations on Saturday, even before the official results of the parliamentary elections were announced. Hungary holds the presidency of the EU Council this semester.
"Orbán's presence is meant to strengthen legitimacy, and Hungary will certainly block EU steps regarding the elections. Meanwhile, Orbán will act as the head of state holding the presidency of the EU Council," said Héjj.
"What a disgrace": world reaction to the situation in Georgia
The pro-Western President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, declared on Sunday evening that she does not recognize the results of the country's parliamentary elections. She announced a protest in central Tbilisi for Monday.
Voices of outrage over the conduct of the elections are coming from all over the world. "What a disgrace," commented Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze.
