Orban hails “indisputable” Georgian elections, dismisses European criticism

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary, whose country currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, on Tuesday asserted that the recent elections in Georgia were “indisputable,” describing them as free and democratic, despite anticipating ongoing debate within Europe.

Speaking at a joint briefing with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Orbán addressed European “scrutiny”, suggesting that conservative victories “are often met with skepticism”.

“When conservative parties win, controversy always follows,” Orbán claimed. Reflecting on his “own experience” with European criticisms, Orbán argued that Europe’s political response was predictable: “If liberals win, it’s celebrated as democracy; if conservatives win, democracy is questioned. This pattern is familiar in Brussels and shouldn’t be taken seriously”.