Tbilisi mayor claims creator of MEGOBARI Act received $80,000 to defame Georgia

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has sharply criticised the MEGOBARI Act, claiming that its author received $80,000 to spread falsehoods about Georgia.

Speaking to journalists, Kaladze said the act—whose full name is the Mobilising and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act—was “entirely hostile” and based on “lies and slander,” Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

“There was nothing friendly in that act; it was entirely hostile. All the directives contained within it were founded on falsehoods and slander. We only heard threats,” Kaladze said.

He further alleged that the person behind the legislation had been financially motivated. “As for the author of this act, we are aware that they received $80,000 to defame our country and spread lies,” Kaladze added.

The mayor also stressed Georgia’s willingness to engage constructively with international partners, but only on terms of respect and mutual understanding.

“We have repeatedly stated our willingness to start anew because the threats and statements made under the previous administration are entirely unacceptable to us. We seek friendship and partnership, but it must be based on mutual respect,” he said.

The U.S. describes the MEGOBARI Act as a federal bill introduced in the 119th Congress, aimed at supporting democratic institutions in Georgia and addressing foreign influence, including from Russia, China, and Iran.

Under the proposed legislation, the U.S. Secretary of State would be tasked with identifying Georgian officials allegedly involved in actions undermining democracy, human rights, or national security.

Potential measures include sanctions such as asset freezes and visa restrictions, in line with the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

The bill was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 5, 2025, with a vote of 349–42. In the Senate, however, it has encountered resistance. Senator Markwayne Mullin successfully removed it from the National Defence Authorisation Act in August 2025, leaving its future uncertain.

By Aghakazim Guliyev