Nika Gilauri, the former Prime Minister of Georgia, has openly accused the country’s most recent election of being manipulated, calling it a blow to Georgia’s aspirations for democracy and European integration. According to Gilauri, the election results were not only “rigged,” but the country’s current parliament lacks credibility, undermining the legitimacy of the government.
Accusations of Russian Influence
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Gilauri expressed his concerns about the growing influence of Russia in Georgia’s politics. He claimed that the Georgian Dream party’s electoral victory, which has been widely criticized for its links to Russian-backed forces, signals a major step backward in Georgia’s struggle for a democratic future.
“The elections were rigged, and we have an illegitimate parliament right now,” Gilauri stated, emphasizing his belief that the election results were orchestrated with Russia’s influence, which he sees as a significant setback for Georgia’s ambitions to integrate with Europe.
The accusation points to the long-standing tension between Georgia’s desire for closer ties with the European Union and Russia’s efforts to maintain its influence over the region. The former prime minister further elaborated, noting that Russia’s support for Georgia’s ruling party was a strategic move to curtail the nation’s progress toward European integration.
A Victory for Putin?
For many Georgians and international observers, the victory of the Georgian Dream party and its stance against European pressure raised alarm bells. Gilauri highlighted the swift praise from Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he believes signals a concerning alignment between Georgia’s ruling party and the Kremlin.
“Putin was praising Georgia’s government on its standing against European pressure just within minutes of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement on stopping the European integration process of Georgia,” said Gilauri. The timing of Putin’s approval only reinforced Gilauri’s belief that the election was manipulated to serve Moscow’s interests, not Georgia’s future.
Georgia’s European Dream at Risk
Georgia has long sought to join the European Union, but this vision faces growing obstacles. The country’s political landscape has been marred by corruption, internal division, and now, according to Gilauri, an illegitimate parliament that undermines the democratic process. Gilauri’s remarks underscore a deepening frustration within Georgia’s pro-European camp.
For many, the results of the election represent a major blow to Georgia’s aspirations of joining the EU, which have been long supported by the country’s pro-Western factions. The country has already faced significant hurdles in its bid for EU membership, with concerns about corruption, human rights issues, and political instability.
Gilauri’s comments reflect the broader geopolitical struggle in the region, where the balance of power between Russia and the West continues to shape the future of countries like Georgia. With Russian influence firmly entrenched in Georgia’s government, the path toward European integration becomes increasingly uncertain.
