Georgia elections stir international debate and protests
"Saturday's elections in Georgia were won not by those endorsed 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.
Commenting on the election results in Georgia, Szijjártó stated that "since the liberals suffered a crushing defeat, the attacks immediately began. Claims emerged suggesting the elections were unfair, and there is no democracy in Georgia, etc., etc..."
Hungarians praise scandal
"The most pathetic thing is that one of the main critics is the Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, whose party was defeated in the eyes of Lithuanian voters yesterday. 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," - the Hungarian Foreign Minister wrote on Facebook.
Attack from Hungary "in line with predictions"
Dominik Héjj, a political scientist specializing in Hungarian topics, believes Hungary's criticism of the EU is "in line with predictions."
Orban travels to Tbilisi. protests expected today
As reported by the media, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced a visit to Georgia on Monday. He intends to congratulate the ruling party on their election victory personally. The Hungarian government leader extended 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 step in as the head of state holding the presidency of the EU Council," said Héjj.
"What a disgrace." The world is outraged by the situation in Georgia
Georgia's pro-Western president, Salome Zourabichvili, declared on Sunday evening that she does not recognize the results of the country's parliamentary elections. She announced a protest in downtown 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.
