Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán Visits Georgia Post-Elections
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán visited Georgia following the recent parliamentary elections, where he congratulated Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on the victory of the Georgian Dream party. Orbán faced backlash during his arrival, with protests erupting and attendees booing him as he passed by. He emphasized Hungary's support for Georgia's EU aspirations and urged citizens to remain confident amid the criticism of the election process from the EU.
The press conference began with PM Kobakhidze expressing gratitude for Orbán's visit, highlighting the fruitful cooperation between Hungary and Georgia across various sectors. He pointed out Hungary's role as the current president of the Council of the European Union and noted the importance of Hungarian support for Georgia's EU aspirations. "Our common Christian values bind us together, and your support for Georgia's territorial integrity is invaluable," he said.
Orbán reciprocated by thanking Kobakhidze for the invitation and acknowledged his restraint in visiting during the election period to avoid any perception of foreign interference. He remarked on the "mutually beneficial" relations between Hungary and Georgia, describing both nations as "fighters for freedom and sovereignty."
The Hungarian Prime Minister underscored Hungary's support for Ukraine, acknowledging both countries' experiences with conflict. He congratulated the Georgian people for opting for peace and EU integration in their elections. "The Georgian Dream has a pro-EU policy, and it's ridiculous to doubt it," he asserted, praising Kobakhidze for pursuing EU aspirations. Orbán expressed confidence that in ten years, Georgia would be well-positioned for EU membership, emphasizing Hungary's commitment to support this journey.
Further defending the election process, Orbán said, "I've been following the debates and critical opinions about the elections in the EU, but no one has yet declared them undemocratic." He noted that Hungarian observers had found the elections to be "free and democratic," addressing the Georgian audience directly. "You shouldn't take the debates in the EU seriously. This is what happens when conservatives win - there are always debates," he stated. Orbán criticized the EU's perceived bias, suggesting that liberal victories are automatically deemed democratic while conservative ones are questioned.
Orbán's visit, which began on October 28, was met with mixed reactions. Upon arriving at his hotel on Rustaveli Avenue, he faced a rally of protesters who believe the elections were rigged. Protesters filled the air with the sound of whistles and a chorus of boos as Orbán's motorcade passed.
