According to Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, all the allegations presented in the MEGOBARI Act [abbreviation means ‘friend’ in the Georgian language, the full name of the bill is the Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act] are solely based on lies and deception.

Kaladze addressed journalists in response to a question regarding the recent adoption by the U.S. Senate of the 2026 National Defence Authorisation Act, from which references to the MEGOBARI Act concerning Georgia had been absent.

“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. As for the author of this act, we are aware that they received USD 80,000 to defame our country and spread lies. Let’s be clear, there are rational people involved. 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,” Kaladze declared.