MEP András László slams foreign funding in Georgia, urges EU dialogue with elected leaders

András László, Hungarian Member of the European Parliament, on Wednesday delivered a scathing critique of Western involvement in Georgian domestic affairs during a session of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee.

In his remarks, László highlighted the visible presence of numerous European speakers at opposition protests in the streets of Georgia.

In his assessment, this public support and financial backing for the opposition constituted interference in Georgia's internal affairs.

“You also supported the opposition's protests - many European speakers appeared at these protests in the streets of Georgia. And then you tell us that you are defending democracy? This is shameful. You are attacking Hungary - how much money did Hungary send to Georgia? Tell me, how much money did we, Hungary, send to Georgia?”, the MEP said.

László further questioned the EU's selective engagement, particularly the refusal to engage in dialogue with the parties that won recent elections in Georgia. He emphasised that if the EU truly supports Georgia’s European aspirations, it should engage directly with the elected Government rather than backing opposition movements.

“I ask you, socialists and liberals - if you truly believe Georgia needs closer ties with Europe, then perhaps start by negotiating with the leaders of the parties who actually won the elections? The European Union is refusing to talk to those who won. We need to respect reality. Tens of millions of dollars were sent to Georgia - that is foreign interference. Showing up at opposition protests is interference. Financially supporting opposition parties is interference. If we want a real partnership, we need to talk with the elected authorities”, he concluded.