Nika Melia, speaking from prison, accused Mikheil Saakashvili of politically motivated actions and concealed negotiations in 2021–2022, while Saakashvili rejected the claims and defended his political record, leading to an escalating public dispute between the two.

On May 29, Nika Melia, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, sharply criticized Mikheil Saakashvili in a letter sent from prison, accusing the former president of acting out of personal motives rather than national interests. Melia stated that Saakashvili's longstanding jealousy toward him had shaped many of his actions and public statements. According to Melia, Saakashvili had once again circulated a letter containing false accusations, including claims that Melia had deliberately undermined rallies demanding Saakashvili’s release from prison. Melia emphasized that Saakashvili should publicly address what he described as the most serious moral and political decisions made during 2022. He specifically referred to an unnamed individual whom, according to him, Saakashvili used as an intermediary in contacts with the government, including during his stay at Vivamedi. Melia alleged that negotiations were conducted through this person regarding Saakashvili’s possible departure from the country and argued that the public would eventually learn details about those discussions, as well as the identities of all individuals involved.

According to Melia, Saakashvili’s repeated accusations of betrayal are intended to conceal this chapter of events. He claimed that fear of public exposure explains Saakashvili’s behavior and asserted that the former president continues to carry the political and moral burden of decisions made during 2021-2022. "Saakashvili loves betrayal, but hates the betrayer whom he refuses to name," Melia stated. The opposition politician also revisited events surrounding Saakashvili’s return to Georgia before the 2021 local elections. Melia argued that jealousy and concerns about losing influence within the opposition camp played a significant role in that decision. He claimed that certain individuals had warned Saakashvili that Melia could eventually gain control of the party if he remained abroad. Melia further recalled opposition efforts in 2021 to identify a joint candidate for Tbilisi mayor together with Mamuka Khazaradze. Referring to a private sociological survey conducted in May-June 2021, he stated that the findings showed Saakashvili was no longer the decisive factor for a substantial portion of the United National Movement's supporters. According to Melia, only 52 percent of the party's voters considered Saakashvili the determining political figure, while the remaining support base had other priorities. He argued that this development intensified tensions within the party. Melia noted that he had refrained from discussing these issues publicly for years, despite what he described as repeated attacks against him. He stated that his silence was no longer justified and stressed that political change in Georgia could not be built on "falsehood, deceit, treachery, and attempts to portray betrayal as virtue." He also rejected the notion that opposition to Bidzina Ivanishvili automatically required cooperation with Saakashvili, reiterating that, in his view, "wherever Saakashvili is, there is no national interest; there is only private selfish interest."

On June 1, Mikheil Saakashvili, the third President of Georgia, responded through social media, rejecting Melia’s accusations and reflecting on his political career. Saakashvili stated that throughout his years in politics he had helped many individuals achieve success in both Georgia and Ukraine, including politicians, ministers, ambassadors, military figures, and public officials. He cited several examples of former associates who had gone on to hold influential positions abroad and said he remained proud of their achievements. Saakashvili emphasized that he had never envied the success of others and instead viewed their accomplishments as a source of satisfaction. Referring to former associates who had achieved prominent careers internationally, he argued that their advancement demonstrated the value of supporting talented individuals.

At the same time, Saakashvili acknowledged that some people had disappointed him despite his efforts to support them politically. He cited Irakli Okruashvili and Nika Melia as examples, arguing that both had ultimately chosen paths that distanced them from him politically. Saakashvili stated that he had repeatedly defended Melia, ignored criticism directed at him, and continued to support him despite doubts expressed by others. However, he concluded that those efforts had been unsuccessful. Despite his criticism, Saakashvili said he harbored no personal hostility toward Melia. He expressed hope that Melia would soon be released from prison and reunited with his family. "For me, politics is not only ambition, but first and foremost humanity," Saakashvili stated, adding that he wished Melia "freedom and a happy life."