Politics Kremlin accuses West of meddling in Moldova and Georgia

The Kremlin has rejected accusations of election interference in the ex-Soviet republics of Moldova and Georgia and accused the West of manipulating the votes.

Western countries were trying to dictate their terms to Georgia ahead of this Saturday's parliamentary elections, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "It is, of course, difficult to imagine that the proud Georgian people would tolerate such ultimatums, which are being thrown at them on a daily basis."

The EU and the USA recently criticized several laws as anti-Western and threatened consequences. For example, the EU accession process is already on hold.

The vote in the South Caucasus republic of Georgia will decide the direction of the country. The pro-European opposition is fighting for victory, while the national-conservative ruling party is fighting to retain power.

Laws are seen as inspired by Russia

Georgia recently tightened its laws on controlling the funding 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. In addition, the West accuses Russia of using targeted disinformation to manipulate people.

In the Republic of Moldova, located between Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia, and the EU member state Romania, the population recently voted by a very narrow margin in a referendum to include EU accession as a goal in the constitution. At the same time, the pro-European President Maia Sandu missed out on a majority in the first round of voting. She will face Alexandru Stoianoglo, who is considered pro-Russian, in the run-off on November 3. The country is torn between East and West.

Peskov questioned the results of the referendum. Russia had not interfered here either, he said. However, discrepancies were visible to the naked eye. "Moldova's leadership is not bothering to explain these anomalies," criticized the confidant of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. It remains to be seen how the run-off election will go.

SDA