Some people searching online or listening to political gossip might wonder: is Mikheil Saakashvili Armenian?
It’s a fair question—especially considering the region’s mix of cultures and the many Armenians who live in Georgia. But let’s clear this up.
Is Mikheil Saakashvili Armenian?
No, Mikheil Saakashvili is not Armenian. He was born in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, on December 21, 1967, into an ethnic Georgian family. His mother, Giuli Alasania, is a well-known Georgian historian. His father worked in medicine, and there is no record or confirmation of Armenian roots on either side.
While Georgia is a diverse country with Armenian, Azerbaijani, and other ethnic minorities, Saakashvili himself has always identified as Georgian, both personally and politically.
What’s behind the Armenian rumor?
This rumor didn’t come from his family or official biographies—it came from political jokes and satire, especially during his time as President of Georgia (2004–2013). One moment that added fuel to the fire was a 2012 campaign speech where he said:
“I am Armenian, I am Azerbaijani, I am Ossetian, Abkhaz, Russian, and Jew—then I am Georgian.”
This was meant as a sarcastic response to people accusing him of not being “truly Georgian.” It was his way of mocking nationalist attitudes and promoting unity among Georgia’s many ethnic groups. But some people took it literally—or just used it to joke that he might secretly be Armenian.
He later explained that it was a political statement, not a family admission. In fact, when asked by Tert.am, an Armenian outlet, whether he’s Armenian, he laughed and said:
“Why not? Everyone says so. Maybe I am.”
Clearly, he wasn’t making a real claim—just playing along with the meme. But the internet tends to keep rumors alive long after the joke is over.
What is Saakashvili’s actual background?
Mikheil Saakashvili studied law in Georgia, Ukraine, and even the United States. He rose to power after the Rose Revolution and became famous for pushing reforms, sometimes in controversial ways.
But his cultural and national identity has always been tied to Georgia. He’s spoken Georgian in public appearances, built his career around Georgian politics, and never once officially identified with any other ethnic group.
Why the rumors keep spreading
In the South Caucasus, identity can be complex—and sometimes used as a political tool. Accusing someone of being “not fully” part of a national group is sadly a familiar tactic in regional politics.
Georgia itself is home to many ethnic groups, including a large Armenian community in Tbilisi, Akhalkalaki, and Ninotsminda. Some people confuse that background or play into stereotypes. Saakashvili, being a polarizing figure, naturally became a target for such rumors.
But at the end of the day, none of the claims about him being Armenian have any factual support. They’re mostly jokes or political jabs that got taken too seriously.
Is Mikheil Saakashvili Ukrainian now?
Not exactly, but he has been deeply involved in Ukraine’s political life for several years.
After his presidency in Georgia ended in 2013, Mikheil Saakashvili moved to Ukraine and became an active supporter of the Euromaidan movement. In 2015, he was appointed Governor of the Odesa region by then-President Petro Poroshenko and was even granted Ukrainian citizenship (which meant automatically losing his Georgian citizenship under Georgian law at the time).
Saakashvili later fell out with Ukrainian authorities and had his citizenship revoked, but it was eventually restored. He remained politically active in Ukraine, often commenting on anti-corruption reforms and holding advisory positions. However, despite his Ukrainian citizenship and presence in the country’s public life, Saakashvili is still widely seen as a Georgian political figure first and foremost.
So while he holds Ukrainian citizenship and has worked in Ukraine’s government, Mikheil Saakashvili is not ethnically Ukrainian and never stopped identifying as Georgian.