Georgia's fifth President: US House passage of MEGOBARI Act marks critical step in crisis

Georgia’s fifth President, Salome Zourabichvili, on Wednesday claimed the recent passage of the MEGOBARI Act by the US House of Representatives, which targets high-ranking officials of Georgia’s ruling party, had exacerbated the country's ongoing political crisis.

Speaking at the press briefing, Zourabichvili said the  passage of the Act marked a “critical moment” for Georgia, one that deepened the nation's estrangement from both the European Union and the United States.

“This passage means the names on this list are now known at the borders of all countries,” Zourabichvili explained, adding that the sanctions imposed under the Act would effectively cut Georgia off from its key international allies.

Zourabichvili also directed her criticism at Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chair of the Georgian Dream, blaming him for the ongoing political gridlock. 

Zourabichvili claimed Ivanishvili’s actions had led Georgia into a dead-end, with the country's leadership becoming “increasingly unresponsive” to calls for reform.

“This is a crisis for the country, and the person responsible is clear - it is Bidzina Ivanishvili, whose leadership has isolated Georgia,” she asserted.

“The way out is clear - new elections,” Zourabichvili added. “We need a peaceful resolution to this crisis, one that doesn’t destabilize the country further. This is a critical moment for Georgia.”