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 within the Soviet sphere of influence. As Voice of America correspondent Henry Ridgwell reports, Moscow has been widely accused of interfering with European democracy following its full-scale attack on Ukraine in 2022.
Tens of thousands of Georgians organized protests last spring against the government’s “foreign agents” law – dubbed by critics as the “Russian law” due to its similarities to legislation long used by Moscow to suppress opponents.
The protests turned into a battle for Georgia’s future.
The opposition pinned its hopes on the general elections in October, but the ruling Georgian Dream party won with over 53% of the vote.
Monitors accused Georgian Dream of widespread election manipulation, which the party denied. Protesters returned to the streets.
“I just want us to look towards Europe, not backwards at the pit we just came out of,” said protester Salome Bakhtadze.
The government launched a brutal crackdown on the protests and suspended EU accession talks. Washington, in turn, suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze was adamant.
“We are absolutely committed to neutralizing the radical opposition completely,” he said.
Moldova – another former Soviet republic – also held fierce presidential elections in October.
Despite ample evidence of interference by Moscow, pro-European President Maia Sandu won in the second round in November with 55% of the vote.
“Today, dear Moldovans, you have given a lesson in democracy,” she declared.
In neighboring Romania, far-right candidate Calin Georgescu – who opposes Western aid to Ukraine – scored a stunning victory in the first round of the presidential elections in November, despite pre-election polls indicating he had support of under 10%.
However, the result was annulled by Romania’s Supreme Court after security services uncovered a disinformation campaign backing Georgescu on social media – a campaign widely blamed on Russia, though Moscow denies involvement.
“This candidate’s campaign was supported by a foreign country,” said Romanian President Klaus Iohannis.
Analysts say that Russia is indeed interfering with European democracy, but the picture is more complex.
“I would always emphasize local weaknesses, the fact that sometimes there is a gap between the elites and the population. And sometimes Russia simply tries to widen that gap,” said political analyst Costin Ciobanu.
The elections were 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 to it – continue to influence European politics and voters.
