Ruling party MP says public mandate demands no more Governments under foreign influence

Irakli Kirtskhalia, the Deputy Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party faction in the legislative body, on Tuesday strongly criticised the United States House of Representatives’ support for the MEGOBARI act, emphasising that Georgia would never again be under the influence of any foreign power.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Kirtskhalia differentiated between strategic relations with the United States and the actions of specific political actors whom he accused of lobbying for opposition interests.

“I repeat once again - I absolutely do not wish to equate the American people or the relationship between our two countries with this group, which today acts as a lobbyist for the United National Movement and its affiliates in Georgia”, Kirtskhalia said.

“That’s why I said - let’s observe and see what path this document takes. I speak from a purely political perspective and will not delve into the content of the document - precisely because I view it through a political lens. If it reaches the President’s signature, then we will assess, post-signature or not, the state and stage of our bilateral relations. We will all see clearly whether the strategic partnership written on paper will turn into real cooperation”, he continued.

The Parliament official also suggested that foreign involvement in Georgia’s domestic affairs had become increasingly visible since 2022, and warned that voters would continue to reject externally influenced political forces in upcoming elections.

“If we look at recent history, the United States has had no greater partner or friend in the region than us. And let’s not forget - and I address the society directly - just as we need partnership with the United States, so too does the United States need partnership with us. Just as we need relations with the European Union, so does the EU need relations with us. We always base such partnerships on dignity - not on some subservient, vassal-like position. This is the society’s demand - that Georgia will never again have a Government under the influence of any other country. Georgia will always be governed by leadership - and the Georgian Dream is the guarantor of this. I say this proudly and confidently - that we make decisions first and foremost based on the best interests of our country: our sovereignty, our independence, and our national security”, he continued.

The official further noted that while Georgia valued partnerships with the United States and European Union, those relationships must be based on equality, not subordination.