“We absolutely condemn this EU decision. It’s madness that if a patriotic party wins the elections, the EU considers democracy to be at risk,” Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó told journalists in Brussels, responding to a question about the EU’s decision to suspend visa-free travel for holders of Georgian diplomatic passports.

“Don’t consider us fools - we see this very clearly: if patriots win, the EU says democracy is at risk; if liberals win, they say democracy is in its best form. It’s obvious. We are on the side of the Georgians and look forward to welcoming the dear Prime Minister and Foreign Minister this weekend in Budapest at CPAC. The Georgian government can count on our support in everything, and we truly respect your patriotic politics,” Szijjártó added.

Regarding the ongoing protests in Georgia, Szijjártó said that democratic elections were held in the country and the people decided the direction they want their nation to take.

“Democratic elections were held in Georgia, and the people decided the direction in which they want their country to go. As for the protests, the fact is that protests are taking place, and this is part of democracy. Since protests are happening, it shows that democracy exists there,” Szijjártó stated.