“The MEGOBARI Act and the published list (individuals to-be-sanctioned) mean that Georgia will be isolated from its main partners – the United States and the European Union,” stated ex-president Salome Zourabichvili during a briefing.

According to Zourabichvili, Georgian Dream founder and honorary chair Bidzina Ivanishvili bears full responsibility for the current severe crisis in Georgia.

“The MEGOBARI Act signifies a pressing political crisis in the country. This crisis has persisted for six months, paralysing the nation. The MEGOBARI Act and the accompanying list impact nearly all high-ranking Georgian Dream officials, signalling our isolation. Georgia is entering into isolation from our key partners – on one hand, the EU, which Georgian Dream representatives routinely offend and insult, and on the other hand, the United States. This list will be presented to the Senate within days and await the U.S. President’s signature. However, its effects are already felt, as the names on this list are known at all borders.”

The ex-president added that it is a crisis in the country in general.

“Bidzina Ivanishvili is fully responsible for the current pressing crisis in Georgia, not our partners, despite claims that the EU or the U.S. are to blame for our isolation. No one is responsible for this crisis but one person who, likely under Russian directives, unilaterally rules the country and drives it towards a deadlock.

The only solution, which we must reiterate, is new elections. This is the established method in every country for peacefully resolving a crisis without further destabilisation, which must be avoided.

We face numerous problems because this country has been stalled for six months. No decisions are being made in any area to address the challenges. This country urgently needs new elections and prompt, sound decisions to revitalise itself. Today, Georgia is frozen, and the MEGOBARI Act confirms this,” Salome Zourabichvili stated.

She further continued: “The MEGOBARI Act demonstrates that our partners have withdrawn, having observed what the Georgian Dream and Ivanishvili are doing to this country. This cannot continue. Therefore, everyone must exercise common sense, utilise all available resources, and those holding high positions are responsible, whether they survive politically or not.

The country must be rescued, and we must do it together by insisting that new elections be held. We are running out of time to pull the country out of this deadlock,” she concluded.

On May 6, the U.S. House of Representatives reviewed and passed the Mobilising and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act, also known as the MEGOBARI Act.