In the two ex-Soviet republics of Moldova and Georgia, the future course of the countries will be decided in elections. Russia and the EU are fighting for influence. The Kremlin is turning around Western accusations.
The Kremlin has rejected allegations of election interference in the former Soviet republics of Moldova and Georgia and in turn accused the West of manipulating the votes. Western countries are trying to dictate their terms to Georgia ahead of this Saturday’s parliamentary election, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. “It is of course difficult to imagine that the proud Georgian people would tolerate such ultimatums that are bombarded at people every day.”
The EU and the USA had recently criticized several laws as anti-Western and threatened with consequences. The EU accession process is already on hold.
A directional decision is pending in the vote in the South Caucasus Republic of Georgia. The pro-European opposition is fighting for victory, the national-conservative ruling party is fighting for power.
Laws are considered to be inspired by Russia
Georgia recently tightened its laws on controlling the financing of non-governmental organizations from abroad. The rights of sexual minorities were also curtailed. Both laws are considered to have been inspired by Russia and have been criticized by the EU. The West also accuses Russia of using targeted disinformation to manipulate people.
In the Republic of Moldova, located between Ukraine, which is attacked by Russia, and the EU country Romania, the population recently voted very narrowly in the referendum to include EU accession as a goal in the constitution. At the same time, pro-European President Maia Sandu missed a majority in the first round of voting. She will run in the runoff election on November 3rd against Alexandru Stoianoglo, who is considered pro-Russian. The country is torn between East and West.
Peskov cast doubt on the results of the referendum. Russia did not interfere here either, he said. However, discrepancies can be seen with the naked eye. “The leadership of Moldova is not making any effort to explain these anomalies,” criticized Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin’s confidant. It remains to be seen how the runoff election will go.
Source: Stern
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