Orban made a controversial trip to Tbilisi to congratulate Georgia's government after a contentious vote, dismissing claims of irregularities while facing backlash from both the US and EU for doing so.
Despite reports of serious voting violations, including vote-buying and intimidation, Orban labeled the EU's concerns as biased, saying that the democratic validity of elections depends on political affiliation. The Georgian opposition and President Zourabichvili contend that the election results were manipulated, calling for protests and investigations into the alleged fraud. Both the US and EU have voiced their serious worries, demanding transparency in addressing the reported electoral misconducts, while the Georgian government maintains its stance against the allegations. Orban's remarks illustrate the rising rift within the EU regarding how to handle political changes in neighboring countries like Georgia, with a clear divide between support and skepticism of the current ruling party's legitimacy.
Despite reports of serious voting violations, including vote-buying and intimidation, Orban labeled the EU's concerns as biased, saying that the democratic validity of elections depends on political affiliation. The Georgian opposition and President Zourabichvili contend that the election results were manipulated, calling for protests and investigations into the alleged fraud. Both the US and EU have voiced their serious worries, demanding transparency in addressing the reported electoral misconducts, while the Georgian government maintains its stance against the allegations. Orban's remarks illustrate the rising rift within the EU regarding how to handle political changes in neighboring countries like Georgia, with a clear divide between support and skepticism of the current ruling party's legitimacy.
