Not For Sale

Lawmakers in Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia rejected a controversial investment agreement with Russia this week, following mass protests that forced the resignation of the region’s de facto leader and highlighted tensions in Abkhazia’s close relationship with Moscow, Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty reported.

On Tuesday, 19 lawmakers requested an extraordinary parliamentary session to vote on the agreement that would allow Russian investors to purchase property in Abkhazia’s Black Sea region, which was signed last month in Moscow.

Only 23 legislators attended, while 12 did not appear. A majority voted against the deal, with two abstentions and no votes in favor.

The controversial deal was aimed at bolstering economic ties. However, critics labeled the agreement as “exploitative,” fearing that it undermined Abkhazia’s sovereignty while granting excessive privileges to Russian businesses.

The proposal triggered widespread unrest, with demonstrators storming government buildings last month. Opposition groups and protesters have demanded explanations from officials about the deal and criticized the administration’s lack of transparency.

Amid escalating tensions, Abkhazia’s self-styled president, Aslan Bzhania, resigned, citing the need to maintain “stability and constitutional order.”

Despite his resignation, Bzhania announced plans to run in the February 2025 presidential election.

Observers said the deal’s rejection underscored Abkhazia’s delicate relationship with Russia, which provides crucial economic and military support to the region.

While many Abkhazians benefit from Russian subsidies and tourism, there is growing unease over the potential erosion of sovereignty. Moscow recognized Abkhazia’s independence following the 2008 war between Russia and neighboring Georgia, a former Soviet republic, but most of the world still considers it to be part of Georgia.

The decision to cancel the deal may strain relations with Moscow: Russian lawmaker Konstantin Zatulin warned that the rejection would cool ties with Russia, the Associated Press added.