FIRST ON FOX: In an exclusive interview, former Georgian Prime Minister Nika Gilauri denounced the recent elections as rigged and the resulting parliament as illegitimate, hindering Georgia’s EU aspirations. He described the elections as having a distinctly Russian character.

Gilauri stated that the current Georgian parliament lacks credibility and legitimacy.

Many observers see the election outcome as a victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Gilauri noted that Putin quickly praised the Georgian government for resisting European pressure following Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement to halt Georgia’s EU integration process.

The former prime minister described the situation as highly orchestrated.

Gilauri, prime minister from 2009-2012, asserted that Russia’s influence is evident in recent Georgian events. He drew parallels to Russia’s alleged interference in Romania’s presidential election, and Moldova’s political system.

“So, we have a very similar scenario, and it was written in Moscow. It was done in Romania, in Moldova, in Ukraine, and it is being done in Georgia right now,” Gilauri said.

For almost a month, thousands of Georgians have protested the pro-Russia Georgian Dream party’s election victory and the subsequent halt to EU integration efforts, braving harsh weather conditions and authorities.

Amnesty International reports that over 460 people have been detained since November 29th, with around 300 alleging severe beatings and mistreatment.

Gilauri urged President Salome Zourabichvili to remain in office, viewing her as the sole legitimate institution in Georgia.

Gilauri believes that President Zourabichvili, who has declared the elections fraudulent and the parliament illegitimate, should not resign.

The Georgian Dream-backed successor, Mikheil Kavelashvili, is viewed by the opposition as furthering the party’s pro-Russia agenda and hindering Georgia’s European aspirations.

President Zourabichvili, who considers the October elections stolen, addressed supporters at a rally, calling for negotiations and new elections.

“I am ready to sit down and find a solution on how to schedule elections, but the decision must be agreed upon by the 29th,” the president posted on X.

While Zourabichvili leads the protest movement, her position after her term ends on the 29th remains uncertain and potentially disruptive.

Prime Minister Kobakhidze suggested imprisonment for Zourabichvili should she refuse to step down.

The Russian-backed Georgian Dream party claimed victory with roughly 54% of the vote, while the opposition secured 38%.

Georgian Dream maintains its commitment to Western integration and a pragmatic approach towards Russia.

Following the October election, Prime Minister Kobakhidze described the election as “a referendum between war and peace, between immoral propaganda and traditional values. This is a referendum between the country’s dark past and a bright future.”

Opposition figures widely reject Georgian Dream’s victory, alleging widespread fraud.

The Georgian president and numerous Western observers noted election irregularities, including fraud and ballot stuffing.

The OSCE noted a “tense environment and several incidents of physical altercations and widespread intimidation of voters.”

European Council President Charles Michel called for an investigation into the alleged irregularities.

Strong pro-EU sentiment exists in Georgia, with polls indicating up to 83% support for EU membership. The Georgian Dream Party stalled Georgia’s EU candidacy process, initiated in 2023.

Georgia’s EU accession process was further hampered by a controversial law requiring foreign-funded organizations to register as foreign agents.

Following the passage of this law, the U.S. imposed sanctions and travel bans on Georgian officials and security agencies, and paused $95 million in aid.

Reuters contributed to this report.