**Georgian Government’s Decision to Withdraw Zurab Pololikashvili’s Candidacy for UNWTO Secretary-General Sparks Outrage**
The Georgian government’s decision to withdraw its candidate, Zurab Pololikashvili, from the position of Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has been met with strong criticism from opposition leader Mamuka Khazaradze. In a Facebook post, Khazaradze labeled the move as “yet another disgraceful act by Georgian Dream!” He argued that supporting one’s own country’s representative on the international stage is beyond party affiliation.
The controversy began when the government administration announced that it had withdrawn Pololikashvili’s candidacy for the top position at UNWTO. Initially, Georgia had submitted his name for consideration, but later decided to pull out of the running. In a statement, the government claimed that the decision was made without any specific competing candidate in mind.
However, opposition leaders like Khazaradze are not buying this explanation. They see it as an opportunity for Georgian Dream to appease their allies in the United Arab Emirates, who have nominated their own candidate for the position. By supporting this new candidate, Georgian Dream is effectively replacing a Georgian national with someone from another country.
**A National Interest or a Personal Favor?**
The move has sparked concerns that Georgian Dream’s decision may be motivated by personal interests rather than national ones. Khazaradze argued that it’s unacceptable to replace a fellow Georgian with someone from another country, especially in an international organization where representation matters.
This decision also raises questions about the priorities of Georgian Dream, which came to power in 2012 on promises to promote economic growth and improve governance. By withdrawing Pololikashvili’s candidacy, the government is seen as prioritizing short-term gains over national interest and pride.
**Supporting a Georgian Candidate: A Matter of National Pride**
The opposition has long accused Georgian Dream of being out of touch with the needs and concerns of ordinary Georgians. This latest move will likely further erode their credibility and reinforce perceptions that the government is beholden to foreign interests rather than working in the best interest of its own people.
For Pololikashvili, a successful businessman who has served as a high-ranking official in the Georgian government, this setback may be a temporary one. However, for Georgian Dream, it’s a blow to their reputation and an opportunity for opposition leaders like Khazaradze to remind voters that national interests should come first.
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