The parliament of the Russian-backed separatist Georgian region of Abkhazia voted today against ratifying an investment deal with Moscow that sparked protests last month that led to the ouster of President Aslan Bzhania , reported Reuters.
Opposition leaders in Abkhazia strongly opposed the deal, fearing it would clear the way for wealthy Russian citizens and companies to buy up properties in the Black Sea region known for its favorable climate, pushing local residents out of the property market.
Russia's official government newspaper, “Rossiyskaya Gazeta”, published a video today showing Abkhazia's parliament voting on the initiative. Not a single deputy voted “for“, and three abstained.
Moscow, which largely finances Abkhazia's budget, wants Russian investors to be able to acquire property rights and have the right to participate in the development of the region.
On November 15, protests broke out in the capital Sukhumi against the ratification of the agreement, with demonstrators storming the parliament building and demanding the resignation of Aslan Bzhania, who has ruled the region since 2020. this way.
Bzhania resigned four days later and was temporarily replaced by his deputy, Badra Ganba, pending the upcoming elections.
The presidential office said authorities were preparing to withdraw the agreement.
At that time, the Kremlin indicated that it hoped for a quick normalization of the situation in the separatist region, notes Reuters.