President Bzhania Rejects Parliamentary Amendments to 2024 Budget

SUKHUM / AQW'A ― President Aslan Bzhania has vetoed the amendments to the 2024 national budget passed by the Abkhazian Parliament. This unprecedented move took place following a session held on April 3rd, where the budget underwent final approval with amendments.

The parliamentary session is notably remembered for the heated debates surrounding the allocation of 37 million rubles ($392,000) for major repairs of two roads in the Sukhum district, which had not been maintained for 30 years. This proposal was initiated by MPs Kan Kvarchia, Fazlibey Avidzba, and Levon Galustyan.

This marks the first instance in President Bzhania's tenure where he has vetoed the country's primary financial document. The initiative by the deputies, aimed primarily at assisting residents of the Sukhum district, likely prompted the president to exercise his veto power.

Kan Kvarchia Criticises Government for Creating Injustice

Deputy Kan Kvarchia has spoken out against what he describes as injustices perpetrated by the government itself, in light of President Aslan Bzhania vetoing and returning a recently passed law that introduced changes to Abkhazia's 2024 budget. In an interview with “Aiashara,” Kvarchia criticised the administration's actions: “Such nonsense and absurdity in document form have seldom been seen from the presidential administration in previous years. It fails to stand up to any form of criticism, both in terms of its format and content.”

"The deputies have to fight against the injustice created by the authorities themselves," said Kan Kvarchia, reflecting the legislative challenges faced.