Democracy on trial in Eastern Europe amid accusations of Russian interference

2024-12-25 19:14:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Western countries and Russia engaged in a battle for influence in Eastern Europe in 2024, as elections were held in several countries that were once in the Soviet sphere of influence. As VOA correspondent Henry Ridgwell reports, Moscow has been widely accused of interfering in European democracy after its frontal attack on Ukraine in 2022.

Tens of thousands of Georgians staged demonstrations last spring against the government's "foreign agents" law — dubbed by critics the "Russian law" because of similar legislation long used by Moscow to crack down on dissent.

The protests turned into a battle for the future of Georgia.

The opposition pinned its hopes on the October general elections. But the ruling Georgian Dream party won with over 53% of the vote.

Monitors accused Georgian Dream of widespread vote manipulation, which it denied. The protesters returned to the streets.

"I just want us to look towards Europe and not back to the hole we just came out of," says protester Salome Bakhtadze.

The government launched a brutal crackdown on the protests and suspended EU membership talks. Washington, for its part, suspended the strategic partnership with Georgia.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze was determined.

"We are absolutely committed to completely neutralizing the radical opposition," he said.

Moldova – another former Soviet republic – also held tight presidential elections in October.

Despite numerous evidence of interference from Moscow, pro-European President Maia Sandu won the November second round with 55% of the vote.

"Today, dear Moldovans, you gave a lecture on democracy", she declared.

In neighboring Romania, far-right candidate Calin Georgescu - who opposes Western aid to Ukraine - scored a shock first-round victory in November's presidential election, despite pre-election polls showing him enjoying support below ten percent.

But the result was overturned by Romania's top court after security services uncovered a disinformation campaign to prop up Mr Georgescu on social media - an effort widely blamed on Russia and which it denies.

"This candidate's campaign was supported by a foreign country," said Romania's President, Klaus Iohannis.

Analysts say Russia is interfering in European democracy - but the picture is more complex.

"I would always emphasize local weaknesses, the fact that sometimes there is such a gap between the elite and the population. And sometimes Russia just tries to widen this gap," says political analyst Costin Ciobanu.

The election is being held against the backdrop of the brutal armed conflict in Ukraine, following Russia's 2022 invasion.

Analysts say that the conflict - and Europe's response - continues to influence European politicians and voters./ VOA