Georgian think tank founder slams Gov't for withdrawing UNWTO candidate

Giorgi Melashvili, co-founder of the European-Georgian Institute, an NGO and a think tank, has sharply criticized the Georgian government’s decision to withdraw Zurab Pololikashvili’s candidacy for a third term as Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Speaking to media, Melashvili described the move as deeply damaging to Georgia’s international standing.

“What’s even more unfortunate is that it was Georgia itself that withdrew the candidacy of a Georgian,” Melashvili said. “I don’t know if such a thing has ever happened in diplomacy.”

Melashvili lamented that by pulling Pololikashvili from the race, Georgia lost a rare opportunity to be represented at the highest level of an international organization. He questioned the motives behind the decision, suggesting a range of possible political or personal deals could be at play.

“Whatever the reason, the fact is that Georgia was harmed by this decision. It’s unclear what Georgian Dream is doing with such moves,” he added.

The backlash follows the government's recent announcement that it would no longer support Pololikashvili's re-election bid and instead back the UAE's candidate, Sheikha Al-Nuwais. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused Pololikashvili of “opposing state interests” and exhibiting a “rude approach” without providing specific details.

Pololikashvili, who has led the UNWTO since 2018, strongly criticized the government’s move as unilateral and politically motivated, stating he was not consulted. He dismissed the decision as being made by “deep state rats” and called on Kobakhidze to explain his actions publicly.