PM refuses to explain details of backing UAE candidate over Georgian Pololikashvili for UNWTO chair

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has refused to explain details why his government had withdrawn support for Zurab Pololikashvili, the current Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), opting instead to back a candidate proposed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Pololikashvili, who has led the organization since 2017, had been expected to seek a third term.

A few hours before the government’s position was confirmed, Pololikashvili’s comments were circulated. “It probably seems strange that I’m not visible… I have a 12-hour flight. When I got on the plane, I saw the decision of the ‘deep rats’ [in reference to the Georgian Dream government claims over the deep state],” Pololikashvili told local media. 

“It would be good if Kobakhidze explained why he did this. For three weeks and more, I've been writing, calling, and he was hiding. Let him come out and say what he changed my candidacy for! I do not represent either the ‘deep state’ or the Global War Party - I am the Georgian Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization,” Pololikashvili added.

He further noted that claims it was his desire or was agreed upon with him was a “big lie”. 

The decision was first reported by the Spanish publication The Diplomat on May 13, which described the move as a "shocking political maneuver." Citing unnamed sources, the publication suggested that Georgia's decision to support the UAE candidate instead of Pololikashvili might be part of a covert agreement.

The Diplomat further reported that the decision had caused "serious concern within the international tourism community" and speculated that it could be linked to a broader strategic alliance between Georgia and Russia. The publication noted that Pololikashvili had overseen the suspension of Russia's membership in the UNWTO in 2022, setting what it called a "precedent within the UN system."

In response, Kobakhidze maintained that the decision was a "sovereign decision" taken in the country’s “best interest.”

When asked on Imedi TV on the matter on Wednesday, Kobakhidze declined to provide details, saying, "I do not understand what the concept of the 'deep state' has to do with this topic at all. Nevertheless, it is regrettable. Furthermore, it is important to note that he currently serves as the head of the World Tourism Organization. When the leader of one of the UN organizations uses such terminology, it is quite concerning.I do not wish to elaborate on the reasons behind the decision. One of the factors was that certain states began summoning our ambassadors, expressing concern over our submission of a candidacy to the UN system for the third time. They claimed this was an unprecedented situation, stating that it is not considered democratic for a candidate to be nominated for a third term in such a position. There were other reasons as well, which I prefer not to discuss."

Georgian fifth President Salome Zourabichvili also reacted to the decision, describing it as “another step by the Georgian Dream government toward Russia and away from Georgia’s national interests.”

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that Tea Maisuradze, Georgia’s former ambassador to the Czech Republic, joined Pololikashvili’s team a few months ago. Maisuradze left diplomatic service in December 2024 amid tensions over Georgia’s stalled European integration process and reports of violence against pro-European, anti-government protesters in Tbilisi.