Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has voiced strong concerns over Georgia’s recent election process, pointing to irregularities and Russia’s potential influence. His remarks highlight a significant crossroads for Georgia’s European Union aspirations, with a clear call to reevaluate the nation’s current trajectory.
Criticism Over Election Irregularities
Speaking before an informal gathering of EU leaders, Nausėda expressed his disappointment, not only with the Georgian election results but also with alleged violations in the voting process. He suggested these irregularities cast serious doubt on Georgia’s stated goal of closer integration with the EU.
“One cannot simultaneously talk about the aspiration to join the European Union and, at the same time, enact counter laws and take measures that challenge the democratic West,” Nausėda remarked, underlining the contradiction between Georgia’s pro-European rhetoric and its recent actions.
Calls for an Independent Investigation
Nauseda believes an international investigation into the election process is necessary, as he doubts Georgian institutions could conduct an unbiased review. He cited the unprecedented scale of alleged Russian interference as an added factor, one that not only impacts Georgia but also other countries in the region, like Moldova, where election outcomes were notably different.
“I do not believe that Georgian institutions can do this,” Nausėda said. “It would be very naive to believe that they can. I think there is a need for an international independent investigation into the process.” He added that Russian influence has reached a concerning intensity, warranting further scrutiny.
A Warning From the EU
When questioned on the EU’s potential response, Nausėda suggested that a clear and firm message should be sent to Georgia. He warned that if Georgia continues on its current path, it risks distancing itself from the EU entirely. “Friends, if you do this, you should not expect to get closer to the European Union. You are moving in the opposite direction; you are moving beyond the EU.”
This remark underscores the EU’s growing frustration with Georgia’s domestic and foreign policy directions. While the EU has supported Georgia’s path toward integration in the past, these recent developments may lead to a reevaluation of that support.
The Role of Oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili
Nausėda was direct in addressing the influence of Georgian oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, suggesting that his ties with Russia are a major obstacle to Georgia’s pro-European aspirations. Ivanishvili, a former Prime Minister and the founder of Georgia’s ruling party, has long been a controversial figure, with critics arguing that his influence has tilted the country’s policies toward Moscow.
“Of course, this person is behind all the processes,” Nausėda stated. “We can see how deep and intense the relations with the Russian Federation are. This is the reason why we are talking not only about Georgia moving away from the European Union but also about its moving closer to the Russian Federation. You can’t choose the middle path: you go to the West or to the East.”
Nausėda’s statement suggests that Georgia’s political direction has significant implications, not only for the country’s future in Europe but also for its regional alignment in a tense geopolitical landscape. The Lithuanian president’s remarks indicate that, without a shift in leadership or policy direction, Georgia may find itself more isolated from Europe and increasingly within Russia’s sphere of influence.
