“The ‘Deep State’ has not been defeated—it has deep roots not only in Georgia. Over the years, hundreds of millions have been spent to build agency networks capable of organizing coups, including several attempts here,” Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze stated in response to the discussions in the U.S. Congress over the MEGOBARI Act.

Kaladze said, claiming that organizations like NED, USAID, and other foreign funds were involved in financing such operations.

“The ‘deep state’ is still very much alive. If Donald Trump succeeds in defeating it, we will welcome that outcome, as it would have a positive impact on us as well. No matter how powerful a country may be, we will not allow anyone to trample on our interests or use us, as has happened in the case of Ukraine,” he said.

Tbilisi Mayor also expressed support for a new phase in U.S.-Georgia relations.

“We’ve consistently said that we welcome a reset and the start of a new chapter in our relationship with the United States. The current state of affairs is unacceptable for both sides. The previous administration relied heavily on misinformation and false narratives. We want that to change. Our relationship should be based on friendship, partnership, and mutual respect. It is unacceptable for a great power like the U.S. to look down on a country with deep traditions and culture like Georgia,” Kaladze noted.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee supported the Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act (MEGOBARI Act) on March 27.

The document provides for sanctions and visa restrictions against high-ranking Georgian officials. Specifically, it includes the following provisions: to initiate a complete review of U.S.-Georgia relations, including all assistance programs; to recognize the Georgian people’s support for the commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration processes enshrined in the country’s constitution; requires the U.S. President to impose sanctions on the Georgian Dream officials and their facilitators who were involved in corruption to divert Georgia from the path of Euro-Atlantic integration, undermined Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, or were involved in other corrupt acts that harm Georgia’s stability; will strengthen people-to-people connections and defense cooperation when Georgia once again acts according to its own constitutional requirements; expresses support for Georgia’s full sovereignty and territorial integrity under the conditions of Russia’s illegal occupation; will support civil society that protects the Georgian people and the Constitution of Georgia from the abuse of power by the Georgian Dream government.