<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/28/viktor-orban-georgia-hailing-ruling-party-election-victory>
"Viktor Orbán has landed in Georgia after congratulating the ruling Georgian
Dream (GD) party for its “overwhelming victory” in parliamentary elections
despite widespread concerns about intimidation and coercion of voters.
Hungary’s prime minister is leading a delegation of his senior ministers to
meet Georgia’s prime minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, in a two-day visit that is
likely to anger fellow EU leaders at a time when Hungary holds the rotating EU
presidency.
In a striking rebuke, ministers from 13 EU countries criticised Orbán’s visit
and the “violations of electoral integrity” in Georgia.
“We criticise Prime Minister Orbán’s premature visit to Georgia,” said the
statement, signed by France, Germany and Poland and 10 other member states. “He
does not speak on behalf of the EU.”
Orbán “does not represent the European Union” on his visit, the bloc’s top
diplomat, Josep Borrell, told Spanish public radio on Monday. “The union’s
rotating president has no authority in foreign policy,” he added.
In a statement released on Sunday, co-signed with the European Commission,
Borrell flagged concerns about reported pressure and intimidation of voters
during Saturday’s elections. “We call on the central election commission of
Georgia and other relevant authorities to fulfil their duty to swiftly,
transparently and independently investigate and adjudicate electoral
irregularities and allegations thereof.”
The governments of Hungary and Georgia have drawn closer in recent years, with
both focusing their policies on conservative “Christian” values and calling for
“peace” in Ukraine while avoiding any condemnation of Russia."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
