Georgia's Mask Ban: Protests Surge Amid EU Tensions and Democracy Fears

Georgian Prime Minister Proposes Law to Prohibit Face-Covering During Protests

In a significant turn of events, Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgia's Prime Minister, announced his intention to enforce legislation that bars protestors from concealing their faces. The forthcoming legislation, set to be completed within the week, is a response to the escalating wave of protests against the ruling Georgian Dream party, which surged into motion following Kobakhidze's decision to delay the nation’s EU accession process until at least 2028.

Additionally, the Prime Minister, surprisingly, did not discuss any form of violence against demonstrators by law enforcement agencies. Instead, he insisted on the injuries law enforcement officials had borne – over ten, he reported, required surgical intervention following what he described as 'physical and psychological violence.' Nonetheless, this contrasts sharply with the alleged use of pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannons by the police to disperse the protests, leading to numerous injuries and countless arrests.

Accusations of Erosion of Democracy and EU Sanctions Debate

The current Georgian government, under the leadership of the Georgian Dream party, stands accused of undermining democracy and veering towards Russia. Fears were compounded earlier this year when the suspect "foreign agents" law was passed, provoking a widespread public outcry and aggressive police responses. In a twist of international diplomacy, Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto vows to prevent potential EU sanctions on Georgian officials in response to the intensified crackdown on anti-government protestors.

Szijjarto has spoken out resolutely against any punitive measures targeting Georgia, stating unequivocally that he is "categorically against" any potential EU sanctions. He went on to criticize the European Union and the 'international liberal elite', arguing that if the opposition had gained power in the recent elections, Brussels would have hailed the process as a victory for Georgian democracy.

The Inward Spiral of Georgia's Relations with Europe and Budapest's Stance

As Georgia seems to drift further away from the European Union, its relations with several European countries have nosedived. This decline was particularly evident following the introduction of the controversial "foreign agents" law, and the deepening controversy around the Parliamentary elections held on October 26, which raised allegations of a skewed vote.

The recent wave of public protests, sparked by the announcement of the suspension of the EU accession process until at least 2028, led to a severe response by law enforcement agencies. More than 220 arrests were made, and dozens were reported injured as the police retaliated with tear gas and water cannons.

Meanwhile, Hungary's foreign policy has further complicated the EU response, with Budapest having a reputation as the most Moscow-friendly country within the EU and NATO. While bearing witness to the unfolding drama in Georgia, the Foreign Affairs Council of the EU is slated to review the situation on December 16, considering possible implications, including the potential introduction of sanctions.