Abkhaz Opposition Leaders Unite Against Foreign Real Estate Sales
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― Today, on 8th September 2024, a group of prominent opposition leaders in Abkhazia issued a joint statement expressing their firm opposition to the sale of real estate to foreign nationals. The signatories, including Leuan Mikaa, Kan Kvarchia, Guram Gumba, Natalie Smyr, Akhra Bzhania, and Vianor Ashba, voiced serious concerns over the potential risks to national security and the possibility of irreversible demographic changes.
Their statement emphasises that the future of the Abkhazian people cannot be compromised, and they remain steadfast in their stance on this issue.
The full statement is provided below.
We Stand Firmly Against Any Form of Real Estate Sales
08.09.2024
To prevent the spread of misinformation regarding our position on the sale of real estate to foreign nationals, we declare the following:
We, along with 73 Heroes of Abkhazia, the scientific and creative intelligentsia, and virtually the entire population and the National Assembly of the Republic of Abkhazia, are convinced that selling property to foreigners poses a direct threat to national security and could lead to irreversible demographic changes, endangering the existence of our people.
We are firmly opposed to any form of real estate sales to foreign nationals, whether it be flats, houses, or apartments. Our stance is strong and unwavering: the national interests and the future of our people cannot be subject to compromise.
Chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Abkhaz Sovereignty
L.G. Mikaa
Chairman of the Public Organisation "Aidgylara"
K.V. Kvarchia
Chairman of the ANK Public Organisation
G.D. Gumba
Chairman of the "Aamta" Foundation
N.V. Smyr
Chairman of the Public Organisation "Akhiatsa"
A.Y. Bzhania
Chairman of the Public Organisation "Aiaaira"
V.G. Ashba
The so-called "apartment law," initially introduced by President Aslan Bzhania, aimed to regulate the legal status of apart-hotels and apartments in Abkhazia. Later, it was reintroduced by parliament members German Kacharava, Aslan Akaba, and Beslan Emurkhba, under the revised title "On Measures to Improve the Socio-Economic Development of Ochamchira, Tquarchal, and Gal Districts."
Despite its intended purpose, the law sparked significant public outcry and protests across the country. As a result of these strong reactions, the draft law was withdrawn from the Abkhazian parliament in July, with Speaker Lasha Ashuba formalising the decision.