Tensions are high in Georgia, where a large crowd of protesters has crowded the square in front of the Parliament in Tbilisi, waving national, European Union and Ukrainian flags. This mobilization was organized by the pro-EU opposition, led by President Salome Zourabichvili, who is contesting the electoral victory of the ruling party, Georgian Dream, accusing it of being a supporter of Russia.

Meanwhile, a heated debate has erupted within the European Union, with the EU accusing Moscow of trying to influence the election results. Viktor Orban, Hungary’s prime minister and the rotating president of the Union, traveled to Tbilisi for a two-day visit and congratulated the ruling party on its “clear victory.” Hungary’s foreign minister, Péter Szijjártó, said that the winners were not those designated by Brussels, but the ruling party that supports national interests. This has sparked criticism about the fairness of the elections.

Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, stressed that Orban “does not represent” the European Union in his visit and that he has no foreign policy authority. Zourabichvili also clarified that Orban came to Georgia only as a “friend of the current government” and does not plan to meet her officially.

In an interview with France24, the Georgian president reiterated accusations against Georgian Dream regarding alleged electoral fraud orchestrated in connection with Moscow. Although she acknowledged the difficulties in proving such claims definitively, she stressed that the demonstrations are a clear expression of popular sentiment against losing the national future.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for swift and transparent investigations into the irregularities reported by international observers. Meanwhile, European Affairs Ministers from 13 member states called Orban’s visit premature and also called for an impartial investigation.

Across the Russian political border, voices have been raised against accusations that Russia has influenced Georgia’s elections. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has dismissed such claims as unfounded and reiterated that interference comes from some European states.

Finally, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze rejected suggestions that he preferred Moscow to the EU, reiterating Georgia’s primary goal: integration into the Union by 2030.