ISTANBUL 

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Tuesday described the results of weekend’s parliamentary elections in Georgia as “indisputable,” defending the outcome amid widespread scrutiny during his controversial visit to Tbilisi.

“Speaking as Hungary’s prime minister who has won many debates, I can tell you that discussions will continue over the next two days. The election results are indisputable – free and democratic elections were held,” Orban said during a joint press conference with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.​​​​​​​

His visit to Tbilisi, which began late Monday, drew criticism from the EU, with Brussels clarifying that the Hungarian premier was not representing the bloc.

The trip coincided with thousands of protesters taking to Tbilisi’s streets to denounce Saturday’s election results, which showed the ruling Georgian Dream party securing 54% of the vote. The election outcome was rejected by President Salome Zourabichvili and opposition parties.

Addressing anticipated criticism in Europe, Orban urged Kobakhidze not to take it “too seriously,” noting that such debates are common in Brussels.

“When inherently conservative parties win, we always see this kind of argument. If the liberals win, then there is democracy, if the conservatives win, then there is no democracy. These types of discussions always happen in Brussels,” Orban added.

Orban congratulated the Georgian government for not allowing the country to turn into “another Ukraine.”

For his part, Kobakhidze thanked Orban for Hungary’s support for Georgia’s EU integration path, indicating that the process remains Tbilisi primary foreign policy priority, in which Hungary’s role is “invaluable.”

The EU and the US have both called for an investigation over alleged election irregularities.