Georgian PM claims Pololikashvili’s UNWTO candidacy withdrawn due to ‘rude approach’, ‘opposition to state interests’

The Georgian government has withdrawn Zurab Pololikashvili’s candidacy for a third term as Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said on Thursday, accusing Pololikashvili of a “rude approach” and actions that went against the country’s state interests.

Pololikashvili, who has held the post since 2018, was expected to seek re-election this year. However, the Georgian Dream-led government announced it would instead support Sheikha Al-Nuwais, the candidate from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Speaking to reporters, Kobakhidze did not specify which state interests Pololikashvili had opposed but described his conduct as unacceptable, justifying the withdrawal of his candidacy. “He tried something that no longer deserves a response and deserves a challenge to his candidacy. He opposed state interests,” Kobakhidze claimed, refusing to elaborate further.

The PM further added that the decision was not about backing the UAE candidate initially, but rather about responding firmly to Pololikashvili’s perceived “reckless approach.” He warned that any challenge to the government’s position would receive an “appropriate response,” though he ruled out retaliating in kind.

Pololikashvili publicly denounced the government’s move as unilateral and without his consent. “When I got on the plane, I saw the decision of the ‘deep’ rats,” he said, demanding Kobakhidze explain why the candidacy was replaced. “I do not represent either the deep state or the global war party [in reference to the GD Government's claims on their alleged interference in Georgia’s internal affairs] - I am the Georgian Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization,” he added.

Kobakhidze also indicated that alleged diplomatic pressure from “certain states” had influenced the government’s decision, citing complaints from foreign actors about Georgia’s attempt to secure Pololikashvili’s third term. He declined to name the states involved or provide further details.

International observers have linked Georgia’s shift to a broader geopolitical realignment. The Spanish publication The Diplomat suggested the decision signaled a strategic rapprochement between Georgia and Russia. Pololikashvili had overseen the suspension of Russia’s UNWTO membership in 2022 following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine - a move widely praised as a strong stand against Russian aggression.