Abkhazian Parliament Postpones Debate on Controversial "Investment Agreement"

SUKHUM / AQW’A — The Abkhazian Parliament has postponed its session to discuss the contentious investment agreement between Sukhum and Moscow. The session, originally scheduled today, on 15 November, was expected to address the agreement, which has sparked significant public debate.

Protests against the proposed agreement took place outside the parliamentary building, with demonstrators demanding its rejection. Opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba called on the government to defer all divisive issues until after the upcoming presidential elections. In a statement on social media, Ardzinba warned, "If the authorities do not heed this request, full responsibility for the possible consequences in the coming days will rest entirely on President Aslan Bzhania and his circle."

Speaker of Parliament Lasha Ashuba later noted that some deputies were unwilling to proceed with parliamentary work under the current circumstances.

The protesters, however, insisted that the session be held and the agreement voted down. Demonstrators clashed with security forces, with reports of tear gas or smoke grenades being deployed. Earlier in the day, protesters breached a fence near the parliamentary building using a vehicle and confronted security personnel with eggs and bottles. They also managed to halt a fire truck that was intended to block the breached area.

Supporters of the agreement argue that it could stimulate Abkhazia’s local economy, while critics label it a "direct surrender of Abkhazia’s interests." War veteran Astamur Khashba urged citizens to take action, stating, "The moment of truth has arrived; our children’s future depends on us. We must say no to the expansion of our beloved homeland!"