Parliament of Abkhazia Starts Session on Controversial 'Apartment' Draft Law

SUKHUM / AQW'A ― The Parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy and Reforms has begun reviewing the apartment draft law, now titled "On Measures to Improve the Socio-Economic Development of Ochamchira, Tquarchal, and Gal Districts of the Republic of Abkhazia."

This 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.

The translation of the draft law submitted by President Aslan Bzhania can be read here.

It is believed that after the committee's discussion, the executive branch will expedite the process to have the draft law reviewed by the People's Assembly before the summer recess. Social media is abuzz with negative reactions, criticising the authorities for ignoring public opinion.

Yesterday, the Republican Public Organisation "Abkhazian National Movement" released a statement 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.

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 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.