In a heated joint press conference with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán addressed criticisms about the recent Georgian elections, stating, “No one dares to question that this election was a free and democratic election.” Orbán noted that Hungarian observers were present in Georgia and had confirmed the integrity of the voting process. “We were here, we saw what was happening,” he asserted, countering concerns from EU officials and international observers over alleged legal violations in the campaign and on election day.

Orbán remarked on what he perceives as a double standard, where democracy is only accepted when liberals win, saying, “If liberal parties win, then there is democracy; if conservative parties win, then there is no democracy.” He also commented on the importance of Georgia’s pro-European stance, stating that both ruling and opposition parties support EU membership, as mandated by the Georgian constitution. Orbán congratulated Georgia on avoiding becoming “a second Ukraine.”

Despite EU concerns and Hungary’s recent vote to freeze Georgia’s EU accession process, Orbán emphasized Hungary’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty, national identity, and Christian values. Georgian Prime Minister Kobakhidze expressed gratitude for Hungary’s backing and highlighted recent agreements in investment protection, tourism, and the construction of a Black Sea pipeline.