October 29, 2024
In a visit marked by strong pro-Russia sentiment, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán traveled to Tbilisi to endorse Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, following its contested election victory. The election, which international observers say was marred by alleged vote-buying, intimidation, and violence, saw Orbán championing the party’s stance against involvement in Ukraine’s conflict, warning that Georgia should avoid becoming “a second Ukraine.”
Orbán Praises Georgian Dream’s Pro-Russian Position
During his speech, Orbán praised the party’s resistance to alleged Western pressures to draw Georgia into the war against Russia, echoing Georgian Dream’s preelection narrative that Western influences aimed to destabilize Georgia. “Hungary is a peace-loving country in Europe,” Orbán stated. “We know what war means, and we value your efforts to stay on the side of peace.”
Orbán framed the Georgian government’s pro-European stance as compatible with its peace-oriented policies, and he expressed confidence that Georgia could still pursue EU membership without taking sides in the conflict. “You didn’t allow Georgia to become a second Ukraine,” he said, positioning himself as a supporter of Georgia’s pro-Russia tilt in a climate of Western criticism.
Election Observations: Diverging Views
The election was overshadowed by international scrutiny, with observer missions from the OSCE and the Council of Europe raising concerns over incidents of vote-buying, widespread pressure, and intimidation. According to Iulian Bulai, head of the Council of Europe delegation, the election climate involved “party-organized intimidation” and other irregularities. However, Orbán countered these reports, stating that Hungarian observers found the election “free and fair.”
“Disputes always follow when conservative parties win,” Orbán argued, hinting at a double standard in Europe’s political climate. “If liberals win, they say it’s democratic; if conservatives win, it’s not.”
International Reaction and Growing Tensions
The U.S. and several EU member states have called for a thorough investigation into the election’s alleged irregularities, with thousands of peaceful protesters gathering in Tbilisi following the vote. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, a vocal critic of Georgian Dream, has publicly referred to the party’s victory as “a Russian special operation,” urging the public to defend democratic integrity.
Orbán’s visit to Georgia comes as he continues to position himself as a prominent European ally to Russian President Vladimir Putin. His endorsement of Georgian Dream adds pressure to the international response, as Western countries deliberate further actions regarding Georgia’s political future.
Key Points of the Orbán Visit
- Pro-Russia Endorsement: Orbán congratulated Georgian Dream for resisting Western pressures to align with Ukraine, reinforcing his stance as a Putin ally in Europe.
- Election Dispute: International observers reported irregularities and a climate of intimidation, yet Orbán dismissed these concerns, deeming the election “free and fair.”
- Global Reactions: Only a few leaders, including those from Armenia and Azerbaijan, have congratulated Georgian Dream, with protests intensifying in Tbilisi following allegations of electoral misconduct.
- Georgian Dream’s Future: The ruling party faces scrutiny as it navigates mounting internal and external calls for electoral accountability.
Orbán’s visit underscores the escalating tension surrounding Georgia’s political alignment and the role of foreign influence in its democratic processes.
