De facto Abkhaz Parliament fails to ratify controversial investment agreement with Moscow amid protests

The de facto parliament of Abkhazia has failed to ratify a contentious investment agreement with Moscow after a session aimed at discussing the issue was canceled due to a lack of quorum.

A protest rally took place outside the parliament building, with demonstrators waving flags of Russia and the occupied Abkhazia and chanting slogans such as “Do not sell the country” and “Do not commit treason.”

Local media reported that protesters gathered early in the day, while law enforcement stationed a convoy of trucks near the building and restricted journalists’ access.

Adgur Ardzinba, a opposition leader, revealed that a group of deputies had urged the de facto parliamentary speaker to remove the ratification issue from the agenda. Protesters vowed not to disperse until their demands were met.

The proposed agreement, supported by the de facto government, is viewed as a means of bolstering the local economy. However, critics argue it undermines Abkhazia’s interests by deepening Russian influence.