The Georgian President, the opposition, civil society and the country’s international partners stress that the OSCE/ODIHR final report on the parliamentary elections, issued on December 20, is a solid basis for calling for new, free and fair, elections in Georgia held in line with OSCE recommendations. However, while the ODIHR itself stresses that its mandate does not envisage recognition of endorsement of elections, but only comprehensive and impartial assessment of the electoral process, the ruling party has rushed to use the report to bolster its legitimacy, arguing that it describes the elections as “free and fair.” The ruling Georgian Dream party welcomed the OSCE/ODIHR report with open arms, with GD’s Prime Minister dedicating a briefing to it immediately after its release. Kobakhidze the OSCE/ODIHR for “properly assessing” the elections in Georgia “despite attacks” from GD opponents, and claimed that the report said the elections were “free and competitive.” “...certain shortcomings were identified, and polarization was also seen as one of the main problems, both in the political spectrum and in the media. These are the issues on which we also have relevant information. Overall, it is clear from the OSCE/ODIHR report that the elections were free and competitive, this is clear from the general content of the OSCE/ODIHR report. I would like to thank the OSCE/ODIHR once again,” Kobakhidze. Following Kobakhidze’s claims, , GD’s Speaker of the Parliament, also devoted a briefing to the report, beginning by it to the OSCE/ODIHR assessment of the 2024 elections in the United States. The comparison was made to emphasize “how grave their certain assessments are with regard to the U.S.” and called to view the criticism contained in the report on Georgian in this context. Regarding the Georgian elections, Papuashvili : “The OSCE/ODIHR report is the turning point where all damaging speculation about the integrity of the elections should end. The opposition has been given the share in government, the number of mandates, that the Georgian people deemed necessary. It is also time to stop the foreign attacks on Georgian democracy and to recognize the will of the Georgian people expressed in the only legitimate way – through elections.” Echoing this narrative, the parliamentary majority leader too celebrated OSCE/ODIHR’s report, that “in any case, we can say that none of the questions and speculations raised by our opposition were reflected as a point in the OSCE/ODIHR report.” Meanwhile, immediately stressed that the OSCE/ODIHR report had negatively assesed the elections, emphasizing that the organization’s “call for concrete action means new elections. That is the democratic way out of the deep crisis in which these elections have thrown Georgia.” Commenting on the ruling party’s speculations, the President on social media: “Constant lies from the state about domestic politics, the social situation and the outside world were the main method of governing the Soviet Union... A total lie reigns, where the statements of partners are presented to the public already falsified, while foreign partners are shamelessly deceived! The harshest conclusion of the OSCE/ODIHR is only one example!” At the same time, three opposition coalitions ( ) and the opposition party – all opposition actors that have crossed the electoral threshold – the October 2024 elections following the OSCE/ODIHR’s “historically the most negative” report regarding elections in Georgia. In a joint statement they note that according to the report the elections failed to ensure the realizaitonof citizens’ constitutional right to vote. They also said that the report highlighted “voter intimidation, media bias, unequal conditions and violations of the secrecy of the vote,” which resulted in the elections failing to meet “basic democratic standards” necessary for the conduct of free and fair elections. The opposition stressed that the OSCE/ODIHR report, while not directly questioning the legitimacy of the elections, pointed to a “legitimacy deficit” and underscored a lack of confidence in the electoral process. According to the opposition, these findings provide a “legal and logical basis” for new elections. Notably, local monitoring organizations – the I , the , the monitoring mission – also the “extremely critical” nature of the OSCE/ODIHR final report on the October 26 elections. For them, the document is yet another reason to “hold new elections in Georgia”. “As OSCE PA President I urge full implementation of the recommendations found in the report.” : “The final OSCE/ODIHR report confirms serious flaws in Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections. Authorities must urgently address the priority recommendations to regain trust, recognition, and ensure a European future – one that has been driving hundreds of thousands of Georgians to the streets.” “After reviewing the OSCE/ODIHR report on the election in Georgia, I reiterate what I said earlier: the de facto Georgian Dream government is not legitimate. President Zurabishvili is the only legitimate force. Any new government must be formed through free and fair elections.” “I spoke with President Zurabishvili about the situation in Georgia. I reassured Madam President of my unwavering support for her leadership and the European aspirations of the Georgian people. They have an inalienable right to move towards a united Europe. New elections in accordance with OSCE recommendations are the way out of the current crisis.” “OSCE/ODIHR final report on the parliamentary elections in Georgia is now out, confirming its preliminary conclusions. This is not the standard that we expect from an EU candidate country.” “The OSCE/ODIHR report confirms serious flaws in Georgia’s elections. Authorities must address recommendations made and those responsible for human rights violations must be held accountable. I also emphasize that threatening statements by Georgian authorities are not acceptable.” “Our serious concerns over the recent Georgia elections are confirmed by OSCE/ODIHR in its final report. When elections are flawed, democracy is endangered.” “Being able to cast a vote in an election without fear of retribution is one of the most important elements of a democracy. In the recent election in Georgia this democratic right was compromised. ODIHR findings must be addressed and recommendations implemented. I thank OSCE/ODIHR for its invaluable work.” “Lies grow until they swallow their creators whole. Georgian Dream’s latest fiction—claiming OSCE/ODIHR legitimized these elections—cannot mask the truth: voter intimidation, violence, and systemic manipulation. This isn’t democracy; it’s a constitutional coup. The international community must continue to stand with the Georgian people and demand new elections to restore Georgia’s path to freedom and justice. The only legitimate voice of the people remains President Zurabishvili. Old Soviet habits die hard, but truth prevails. Always.” “The only solution to regain trust and confidence are new elections in Georgia.”The Benefits of Freedom
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Josh Allen is winning on and off the field. The Buffalo Bills quarterback had a heartwarming response to a reporter asking how he felt taking home a victory against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 1 while newly engaged to Hailee Steinfeld . "Felt good," Josh said of his experience playing as a fiancé during the post-game conference alongside wide receiver Amari Cooper Dec. 1. "Felt free." It's been an eventful few days for the football player— who was on the field for the first time since his proposal —as he also became the first quarterback in NFL history during the 49ers face-off to pass for, rush for and catch a touchdown in a single game, Sunday Night Football on NBC confirmed. And just a week before, the 28-year-old—who also broke the record for the most touchdowns in the Bills' franchise history during the match— got down on one knee and proposed to the Hawkeye star by a flower-adorned arch overlooking the glimmering waves. Despite the recent update on their relationship status, Josh and Hailee, 27, have kept their romance close to their chests . In fact, after announcing their sweet milestone, the NFL player danced around the news while reflecting on his bye week. "It was fantastic," he said of the time off during a Nov. 27 press conference. "It was great. I got some sun, hung out with family. It was fantastic." But Josh's decision to keep his and Hailee's relationship private wasn't made lightly. He previously shared how surprised he was at people's interest in their relationship and the lengths that some paparazzi had gone to for photos. "The fact anybody cares about that still blows my mind," he admitted on the Pardon My Take podcast last August. "They were on a boat. I saw it and I just felt this gross feeling. The insecurity, no privacy. I was like, 'What's wrong with you?'" That doesn't mean he and the Edge of Seventeen star don't share any details about their personal life, however. With Christmas around the corner, Hailee recently revealed that they both got each other the same gift last year and the adorable story behind their exchange. "I got this knife for Josh last year for Christmas because cooking is something we love to do together," she shared in her newsletter Beau Society in October, per Sports Illustrated . "For Christmas he got me...the same one in a different colorway!" "After we exchanged our knives lol ," she continued, "he told me there's an old wive's tale that if you gift your significant other a knife you have to pay for it, otherwise it signifies the severing of a relationship. So we exchanged quarters so we didn't have that bad omen." Keep reading for more of Hailee and Josh's winning romance. May 2023: Romance Rumors Following Josh Allen 's breakup with longtime girlfriend Brittany Williams , the Buffalo Bills quarterback stepped out for dinner in NYC with Hailee Steinfeld . Two months later, the duo confirmed their relationship while kissing on vacation in Mexico. March 2024: Surprise Appearance Nearly a year after the duo first sparked romance rumors, the athlete and the actress made a rare social media appearance while helping his sister, Nicala Madden , reveal the sex of her baby in an adorable Tiktok video . March 2024: Très Romantique The Edge of Seventeen star and the NFL player went on a romantic outing in matching khaki outfits during Paris Fashion Week. July 2024: The City of Love The NFL star made the couple's romance Instagram official, posting a photo of the couple posing in front of the Eiffel Tower in his July 23 photo dump . July 2024: Part Of the Family Posted in that same photo dump, the "Starving" singer squeezed in for a photo with Josh's family. August 2024: Mr. Hard Launch "Mr. Hard Launch," as reporter Kay Adams called him on her Up & Adams show, bashfully admitted "we love love" when asked about his and Hailee's relationship. November 2024: Engagement Hailee and Josh confirmed they were engaged in a November 29 Instagram post showing the athlete getting down on one knee as the Oscar nominee leaned in to give him a kiss. They captioned the post with the date of their major milestone: 11-22-24.
Enough of Matt Gaetz and Kay Granger. Can we finally get a functional Congress? | Opinion
NoneGreg Gumbel, the renowned CBS Sports anchor and commentator, has died at the age of 78. His family confirmed the news in a statement on Friday, saying: It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity. He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten. Greg's memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him. — Marcy & Michelle Gumbel Gumbel served as a play-by-play announcer and studio host for CBS Sports , and previously spent years on air for NBC Sports. He won legions of fans with his work hosting coverage ranging from The NFL Today to several Super Bowls and Olympic Games. Gumbel worked for CBS Sports from October 1989 through May 1994, then went to NBC Sports as a host and play-by-play announcer before returning to CBS Sports in 1998 as host and play-by-play announcer for college basketball and The NFL on CBS. In 2022, he celebrated his 50th year of broadcasting. "The CBS Sports family is devastated by the passing of Greg Gumbel. There has never been a finer gentleman in all of television. He was beloved and respected by those of us who had the honor to call him a friend and colleague," said David Berson, the president & CEO of CBS Sports. "A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time. He was a familiar and welcoming voice for fans across many sports, including the NFL and March Madness, highlighted by the Super Bowl and Final Four," Berson said. "Greg broke barriers and set the standard for others to follow. It is an extremely sad day for all of us at CBS Sports and the entire sports community. We will miss Greg dearly, and send our deepest condolences to his wife Marcy, daughter Michelle, and his entire family." Gumbel was born in New Orleans on May 3, 1946, and grew up in Chicago. He graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967. This is a developing story and will be updated.