Hungary’s Orbán to visit Georgia despite EU concerns over election integrity

Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán is set to visit Georgia on Monday, where he will meet Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze following a contentious election. The visit signals Orbán’s support for Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, which declared victory amid allegations of election irregularities and intimidation.

The EU issued a statement on Sunday expressing “serious concerns” over the vote, which took place on Saturday, noting widespread irregularities, a polarising campaign atmosphere and recent legislative changes that may have affected the electoral process.

Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, said the bloc found the elections did not meet democratic standards. 

However, Kobakhidze, a member of the Georgian Dream party, rejected accusations of unfair practices and announced that Orbán would kick off a two-day visit to Georgia on Monday, a sign of international support. Hungary currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union. 

Orbán previously sparked EU outrage with visits to Russia and China, highlighting his alignment with pro-Russian and anti-Western policies, which contrast sharply with EU priorities. His visit to Georgia is seen by officials as an extension of his efforts to defy EU positions.

European Council president Charles Michel earlier urged the Georgian election commission to ensure a “swift, transparent and independent investigation” of alleged violations. The US also expressed concerns, with secretary of state Antony Blinken calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged fraud.

^{Viktor Orbán © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE}