Adgur Ardzinba: ‘Bzhania Showed Us What a President Should Not Be’

SUKHUM / AQW’A — Adgur Ardzinba, head of the 'Abkhazian People's Movement' and a leading figure among Abkhazia's opposition groups, has issued a powerful statement following the resignation of former President Aslan Bzhania, declaring, "This chapter of history has been turned, forever." Reflecting on the turbulent political crisis, Ardzinba thanked the people of Abkhazia, particularly its youth, for their courage and resolve, while urging the nation to learn from the mistakes of Bzhania’s presidency and move forward with hope for a brighter future.

The full statement reads as follows: 

Today, we have concluded the intense phase of the political crisis associated with former President Aslan Bzhania through his entirely justified resignation, a decision that was delayed by at least three days, or perhaps, in fairness, by three years.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our comrades and everyone who stood by us during these days, offering their support in our struggle and aspirations. My thanks especially go to the patriotic and courageous youth, whose unprecedented role was pivotal. It was this public support and collective engagement in our shared cause that became the key factor in our success. Each person contributed, ultimately, the number of people gathered at the administration square and their resolve were decisive, even during negotiations.

I also want to thank the people of Abkhazia for demonstrating their love of freedom, wisdom, and exceptional political maturity. We are perhaps among the few who can so fervently and resolutely stand against injustice and arbitrariness while simultaneously possessing the ability to resolve the sharpest contradictions peacefully.

As for Aslan Bzhania, he deserves a separate "thank you" for vividly showing us what a President of Abkhazia should not be and how things should not be done:

— It is impossible in Abkhazia to shut yourself away behind high walls and rely solely on force to do whatever you please, ignoring everyone’s opinions.|
— It is unacceptable to shamelessly deceive the people, disguising personal interests as state affairs.
— It is intolerable to divide the nation into "us and them," "good and bad," and to attach false political labels to those who disagree with presidential policies, branding them as marginal figures, extremists, coup plotters, or agents of foreign intelligence.
— It is inappropriate, as the President of a country and the leader of a people with a millennia-long history, to lead an immoral life and engage in actions that would cause any reasonable person to feel ashamed, even in private.

And finally, one cannot step into the same river twice. This final lesson, I am confident, will be taught to Aslan Bzhania by the people of Abkhazia in a few months if the former president does not abandon his absurd dreams of returning to the presidential seat.

I sincerely hope that no one will ever repeat such mistakes. This chapter of history has been turned, forever. We now move forward with hope for a bright future for our beloved homeland!

With respect,
Adgur Ardzinba

Today, the Abkhazian Parliament voted to accept the resignation of President Aslan Bzhania, marking the end of a tense political standoff. As Speaker of Parliament Lasha Ashuba announced during the session, the sole item on the agenda was the president’s resignation statement.

Of the 31 deputies who participated in the vote, 28 supported Bzhania’s resignation, 1 voted against, and 2 ballots were declared invalid. Vice President Badra Gunba will now serve as acting president, while former parliamentary speaker Valery Bganba has been appointed as the new prime minister.

Bzhania’s resignation came after sustained pressure from opposition forces. On 15 November, protesters opposing the controversial Russian-Abkhaz "investment agreement" dismantled part of the fence surrounding the government complex in Sukhum. They subsequently entered the Parliament and Presidential Administration buildings, forcing the president to step down.