Mikanadze: MEGOBARI Act Is Unfriendly and Out of Touch With Georgian Reality
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Givi Mikanadze, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science and Youth Affairs, has criticized the MEGOBARI Act ahead of its consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives, calling it "an unfriendly act" that misrepresents the situation in Georgia.
"The title of this act absolutely does not correspond to the context. It is an unfriendly act toward Georgia and the Georgian people, completely out of touch with reality," Mikanadze told journalists. "We hope it will not ultimately become law, or if it is adopted, it will include the necessary changes."
The MEGOBARI Act, formally titled Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia's Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence was introduced by U.S. lawmakers to express support for the Georgian people and authorize sanctions against officials involved in democratic backsliding and human rights abuses.
Mikanadze argued that the act ignores the democratic choice of Georgians in the last elections. "Our population freely expressed its will and supported Georgian Dream to lead the country. That must be respected," he said.
He also called for constructive engagement with the U.S., including simplifying the visa regime, launching direct flights, and signing a free trade agreement. "That would help deepen bilateral relations and support dynamic development between two strategic partners."
While Mikanadze condemned the MEGOBARI Act as biased and disconnected from Georgia's internal realities, the opposition sees it very differently.
Secretary General of the United National Movement (UNM), Petre Tsiskarishvili, has welcomed the adoption of the MEGOBARI Act by the United States, calling it a strong show of support for the Georgian people and a major opportunity for deepening ties with the West.
"By adopting the MEGOBARI Act, the U.S. clearly expresses its support to the Georgian people, which provides our country with a great opportunity for both strategic partnership and close economic relations," Tsiskarishvili said.
He emphasized that the initiative opens new prospects not only for the state but also for every Georgian citizen. "The MEGOBARI Act clearly and distinctly expresses the U.S. attitude towards our country, including in the geopolitical regional gap, because here we are talking about the democratic development of our country, the consolidation of institutions," he said.
Tsiskarishvili warned that if the ruling Georgian Dream party continues its current path, sanctions will follow. "If the Georgian Dream continues on its path, then the key representatives of this government, as well as members of parliament, their family members, etc., will definitely be sanctioned, and these will be comprehensive sanctions."
He concluded with a stark choice: "Ultimately, the decision is to be made by the Georgian people. Do we want strategic relations with the West, economic cooperation, the prospect of visa-free travel, or do we want the Dream regime that rules the country as a self-proclaimed government?"
