Abkhazian Parliament Committee Moves 'Apartment' Law Forward
Social media is abuzz with negative reactions, criticising the authorities for ignoring public opinion.
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― The Parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy and Reforms has decided to present the law now titled “On Measures to Improve the Socio-Economic Development of Ochamchira, Tquarchal, and Gal Districts” for review at the next Parliament session.
The draft law, submitted by three deputies, aims to boost economic growth and the tourism industry in these regions through the construction of multifunctional real estate complexes, including apartments that can be owned by foreign nationals. According to Rezo Zantaria, head of the committee, the pilot project includes construction on 150 hectares, with a total of 10,000 units planned. The apartments will not be intended for permanent residence.
The translation of the draft law submitted by President Aslan Bzhania can be read here.
Yesterday, the Republican Public Organisation “Abkhazian National Movement” released a statement [below] addressing the significance of the draft law. The organisation urged the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy and Reforms to allow public and political organisation representatives to participate in the committee's meetings to voice their opinions on the draft law. The statement underscored the law's importance for the state and requested transparency in the legislative process.
Republican Public Organization "ABKHAZ NATIONAL MOVEMENT"
To the Speaker of the People's Assembly - Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia L.N. Ashuba
Dear Lasha Nugzarovich,
In connection with the consideration on 17 July 2024, by the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy and Reforms of the draft law “On Measures to Improve the Socio-Economic Development of Ochamchira, Tquarchal, and Gal Districts of the Republic of Abkhazia,” and taking into account the significance of this law for the fate of the state, we appeal to you to allow representatives of public and political organizations to attend the meeting of the committee to express their views during the discussion of the draft law.
List of public and political figures:
Leonid Chamagua, Bagrat Dzhugua, Garry Kokaya, Leuan Mikaia, Akhra Bzhania, Ilya Guniya, Temur Gulia, Lasha Kakalya, Natalia Smyr, Amiran Kakalya, Adgur Ardzinba, Vianor Ashuba
Chairman A[dgur]. A. Ardzinba
Despite this, parliamentarians voted against allowing the public and journalists to attend the committee meeting. Additionally, deputies from the fifth and sixth convocations were barred from the session.
The situation outside the Parliament is tense, with veterans of the war and Heroes of Abkhazia being denied entry to the parliamentary grounds. The Parliament of Abkhazia today is closed off from the public, with increased security personnel visibly present within the fenced area.
President Aslan Bzhania attended the meeting, stating that “there are 140,000 employable citizens in the country, with 42,000 officially employed, 30,000 self-employed, and 65,000 unemployed”. Bzhania emphasised the need to develop the economy to address these major challenges.
Following the committee members’ vote, it was decided to move the draft law to the next Parliament session for further consideration.
"The wannabe President and draft dodger Bzhania tried to intimidate deputies; We will fight to prevent this bill!"
― Kan Kvarchia, Deputy of Parliament and leader of “Aidgylara” (Abkhaz: Аидгылара, Unity)
“As you know, yesterday the NGO leaders and opposition political party leaders released a statement addressing the significance of the draft law and urging the Parliamentary Committee to allow public and political organisation representatives to participate in the committee's meetings to voice their opinions on the draft law. However, contrary to previous traditions, the parliamentary administration rejected this request. In today’s meeting, in an unprecedented manner, the president-wannabe and draft dodger Aslan Bzhania attended the commission meeting, attempting to exert pressure on the deputies. He thought he could intimidate us all. We confronted him directly. These people have either taken money from somewhere or been promised other rewards. Whatever the case, they intend to sell Abkhazia. Therefore, we are calling on all our friends who oppose this to gather in front of the Parliament. All who care about the fate of Abkhazia, all who are against the sale of Abkhazia, join us! If there are people who support this without knowing the full context, I urge them to reconsider the seriousness of the situation. We will do everything in our power to prevent this bill from passing!”
President Aslan Bzhania continues to actively lobby for his legislative initiatives to provide incentives to large foreign investors and to construct apartments that foreign citizens can purchase. Yesterday, he held an extended meeting on the socio-economic development of eastern Abkhazia, involving parliamentarians, district heads, and city officials.
This draft law, previously introduced by the President as part of his legislative initiative, has now been reintroduced and registered by three parliament members - German Kacharava, Aslan Akaba, and Beslan Emurkhba. The application of the law is limited to the eastern districts of the republic, which traditionally do not attract tourists and face significant economic challenges. However, it is evident that this is an edited version of the previous “On the Regulation of the Legal Status of Apart-Hotels and Apartments” draft law. In late April, President Bzhania himself mentioned the potential transformation of this law in an interview with AGTRK:
“The parameters may be revised, the geography may be revised, but this is about developing an entire sector, the most important sector, which will ensure the dynamic development of our economy... People who will purchase this real estate will come to us, stimulate our economy, and pay into our budget, but they will not have any political rights. The acquisition of apartments is not linked to Abkhazian citizenship,” the President reminded at that time.
See also:
+ Said Gezerdaa: “Under the Guise of Economics, the Government Proposes Surrendering Sovereignty”