Ex-Ambassador says Georgian Gov't prioritizes Russian interests over Georgia after withdrawal of UNWTO candidate

Former Georgian Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Thea Maisuradze, on Friday alleged that the Georgian government "finds unacceptable anyone who serves the national interests of Georgia and not the interests of Russia." 

Her remarks, made in a social media post, came following the government’s withdrawal of support for Zurab Pololikashvili’s candidacy for a third term as Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Maisuradze, who recently joined Pololikashvili's campaign team, suggested that the ruling Georgian Dream party pressured Pololikashvili to dismiss her from his team. Pololikashvili, who has led the UNWTO since 2017, confirmed in an interview with TV channel Formula that such pressure occurred, leading to Maisuradze's voluntary departure.

The controversy surrounding his campaign escalated as reports emerged of Georgia’s decision to support an Emirati candidate instead. The Spanish publication The Diplomat described the move as a "shocking political maneuver," suggesting a potential secret agreement.

Maisuradze, who left the diplomatic service in December 2024 amid Georgia's suspension of the European integration process and mass protests, criticized the government’s foreign policy approach. "Our friends and partners received offensive rhetoric they did not deserve," she wrote, reaffirming her commitment to Georgia's European future.

Pololikashvili expressed frustration over the Georgian government’s decision, stating he was unaware of the reasons behind the withdrawal of support and had sought clarification from Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.