On October 28, Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili defended the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party’s nearly 54 percent election victory, rejecting opposition and observer allegations of electoral fraud. Papuashvili accused opposition groups and civil society organizations of inciting unrest through disinformation, asserting, “They don’t want to accept people’s will.”

That same day, President Salome Zourabichvili addressed a peaceful rally on Rustaveli Avenue, the day after Georgia’s contentious parliamentary elections. Condemning the results, she declared, “nothing can make them legitimate.” Addressing the crowd before Parliament, she stated, “You, the people gathered here, have not lost the elections! Your vote was stolen, and they tried to steal your future as well. But nobody has the right to do that, and you won’t give anyone the right to do so.” Zourabichvili pledged her commitment to Georgia’s European path, stating, “I solemnly swear I will be with you till the end on this European path. And until we reach Europe’s doors, which is our true reality and future.”

Zourabichvili reported giving 17 interviews to international media that day, clarifying the situation, and engaged in discussions with six presidents and foreign ministers, including European leaders. She highlighted the support received from European leaders and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, remarking, “No one, except the one who just passed by [referring to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, staying nearby], recognizes these elections.” She emphasized the need for a full investigation into the alleged irregularities, calling for international support to ensure transparency and accountability. Local observers, civil society groups, political parties, and the public, who “have a lot of evidence,” would be involved in the investigation, she said.

Calling the election a “theft,” Zourabichvili described it as a premeditated attempt to undermine Georgia’s Parliament and Constitution. She assured the crowd, “This is the first step,” and expressed confidence that political parties would create an action plan to calmly defend the people’s constitutional rights. “We have nothing else but our votes,” she said, urging a firm, peaceful defense of their democratic rights. She concluded by encouraging Georgians to “give your vote to Europe, to the future, to Georgia!”

International responses swiftly followed. On October 28, Swedish Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa announced Sweden’s decision to suspend its cooperation with Georgia, a major aid recipient, citing concerns over Georgia’s departure from the EU path. Dousa stated, “The development in Georgia has been very alarming for some time. The irregularities reported by international election observers in the weekend’s parliamentary election reinforce this.” He criticized restrictive legislation that hinders civil society’s democratic role, stressing that such measures conflict with EU values. The Swedish government, he added, would reconsider its direct cooperation with Georgia’s government, including collaboration with its tax authority, pending a return to EU-aligned governance.

At an October 28 press briefing, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller echoed calls for a comprehensive investigation into alleged electoral violations in Georgia’s October 26 elections, citing issues like the misuse of public resources, vote-buying, and voter intimidation, which he argued “undermined public and international trust in the possibility of a fair outcome.” Miller noted that the U.S. was consulting with European allies to establish an appropriate investigative body and underscored the need for Georgia to align with the Euro-Atlantic community, rather than adopt policies favorable to authoritarian regimes. He referenced Article 78 of Georgia’s Constitution, which mandates a commitment to EU and NATO integration—a goal reportedly shared by over 80 percent of Georgians.

On October 28, Global Affairs Canada issued a statement expressing concern over reported irregularities in Georgia’s parliamentary elections. As a “friend, partner, and longstanding supporter of Georgia,” Canada called for a thorough investigation into allegations of voter intimidation, vote-buying, and other irregularities observed by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). Canada warned that it would reassess its relationship with Georgia unless the Georgian government addressed these democratic setbacks.

The European Union also weighed in. On October 29, Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, issued a statement calling for a transparent inquiry into the alleged violations. He expressed concern over international observers’ reports of electoral irregularities, noting that Georgia, as an EU candidate country, must demonstrate commitment to EU values like electoral integrity and the rule of law. He called for swift, transparent, and independent investigations by the Central Election Commission and relevant authorities, and announced a Political and Security Committee meeting on October 29 to discuss Georgia’s situation. Borrell emphasized that Georgians deserve clarity in their election process and the legitimacy of their government.

Meanwhile, Russia reacted sharply. On October 29, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the United States of promoting “neocolonialism” in Georgia, stating on her Telegram channel, “Neocolonialism will be the next stage after U.S. warnings of ‘further consequences’ for Georgia if the country’s government does not change course. Democracy, sir, here we are. The next stop is neocolonialism.”

Russian Deputy Head of Security Council Dmitry Medvedev speculated on the possible arrest of Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, suggesting that “the puppet president of Georgia refused to accept the election results and went against the constitution by calling for a coup.” He continued, “The usual practice in such cases is removal from office and arrest.”

Also on October 29, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held a joint press conference in Tbilisi with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. Orbán congratulated GD on its parliamentary victory, despite EU concerns over election legitimacy. PM Kobakhidze expressed appreciation for Hungary’s support of Georgia’s EU ambitions and territorial integrity, noting shared Christian values and Hungary’s “fruitful cooperation.”

Orbán commended the strong Hungarian-Georgian relationship, citing both nations’ experiences as “fighters for freedom and sovereignty.” He expressed confidence in Georgia’s EU trajectory, arguing that doubts about GD’s commitment to EU aspirations were “ridiculous.” Directly addressing Georgian citizens, Orbán encouraged them to dismiss EU debates over election legitimacy, which he attributed to bias against conservative victories. He concluded by affirming Hungary’s ongoing support for Georgia’s EU integration, noting the two countries’ efforts to exchange experts to bolster Georgia’s EU accession progress.