Moldova shows solidarity with Georgia amid election protests
The Republic of Moldova has expressed its solidarity with Georgia and its citizens in their efforts to uphold freedom, democracy, and European aspirations amid the October 26 elections.
The message of support was conveyed by President Maia Sandu during a phone conversation with Georgia’s President, Salome Zurabishvili.
“The Republic of Moldova stands with all Georgians fighting for freedom, democracy, and a European future,” Maia Sandu wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
I just spoke with @Zourabichvili_S following Georgia's elections.
— Maia Sandu (@sandumaiamd) October 28, 2024
Moldova stands with all Georgians fighting for freedom, democracy and a European future.
It should be noted that Georgians are expected to take to the streets this evening to protest the results of the parliamentary elections held on Saturday, October 26. This follows an announcement by the electoral commission that the ruling party won decisively, securing over 54 percent of the vote and 89 seats out of 150 in the legislature. The four opposition parties that gained seats in parliament are contesting the results, with election observers reporting significant irregularities. Opposition leaders have stated they will refuse their mandates and have called for public protests. The call to protest was issued by Georgia’s President, Salome Zurabishvili.
The elections in Georgia are widely seen as a crucial test of the democratic aspirations of this European Union candidate nation, with Brussels suggesting that the election outcome could impact Georgia’s chances of joining the bloc. Meanwhile, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an ally of the ruling Georgian Dream party, is visiting the capital, Tbilisi, on October 28-29.
“Orban does not represent the European Union,” stated EU High Representative Josep Borrell, quoted by AFP. The European diplomat noted that the Hungarian Prime Minister will visit Georgia today, likely to express his support for the Georgian government.
It is worth noting that Viktor Orban was the first foreign leader to congratulate the Georgian Dream after the parliamentary elections, before the first official results were even announced. He is scheduled to meet with Georgia’s Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, in Tbilisi.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
