Georgian Parliament official: Georgia expects strategic ties with Hungary to continue after power transition

Levan Makhashvili, the chair of the Georgian Parliament’s European integration committee, on Tuesday congratulated Peter Magyar and his party on securing a convincing victory in Hungary’s parliamentary elections, highlighting the peaceful and competitive nature of the vote.

In his remarks, Makhashvili noted that the elections were held in a peaceful environment and represented a competitive process.

“Together with my colleagues, we had the opportunity to participate in the monitoring process both in Budapest and in the regions, including within the framework of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly”, he said.

“Hungary has an elected government, and anyone can review the OSCE/ODIHR preliminary findings, where all details are outlined, including both positive and negative aspects. Everyone accepted the results of these elections - both the winner and the loser”, the official continued.

Makhashvili added that this is how normal countries function - the defeated side acknowledges the results and does not boycott parliament for years or destabilise the country over narrow political interests.

He further stated that the Georgian opposition had been seeking “relief” in the defeat of Viktor Orbán, but remarks made by the incoming prime minister disappointed them.

The MP further expressed hope that Georgia’s strategic partnership with Hungary would continue under the new government.

“Our domestic opposition has become so politically bankrupt that even in this case, they were looking for joy in Orbán’s defeat, as if the results in Budapest could somehow artificially sustain their political existence in Tbilisi. However, during the very first press conference, the future prime minister shattered these illusions, stating that he will continue cooperation and friendship with Georgia, has no interest in interfering in another country’s internal affairs, and is even ready to visit Tbilisi”, he said.

“Once again, our opposition jumped to conclusions prematurely. Once again, they adopted positions that unfortunately do not align with the interests of our population. And once again, they set a trap for themselves and got caught in it”, he continued.

“We have a strategic partnership with Hungary based on mutual interests, and I hope it will continue under the new government. At least, the statements made during the first press conference give us reason to believe that, despite the campaign already unfolding on social media to damage this relationship, we will be able to maintain and further develop this strategic partnership and friendship”, Makhashvili concluded.