Abkhazia appealed to Russia for help due to energy collapse
The collapse of the energy system has disrupted the normal functioning of life support facilities and the economy of Abkhazia. It may face a humanitarian disaster. This was stated by Acting President Badra Gunba.
“The situation has led to grave consequences. The state budget is under excessive strain. The most important programs of Russian aid to Abkhazia have been suspended. The problem of delayed wages and social payments has arisen. I consider it entirely appropriate to point out that bringing relations with an ally to such a state is unacceptable,” Gunba noted.
Earlier, Russia decided to conduct “educational work” with Abkhazia, depriving the republic of the tourist flow from the Russian Federation, which was the main source of its income. This was reported by the Vice President of the Association of Tour Operators of the Russian Federation Artur Muradyan.
Recently, the Prime Minister of Abkhazia Valery Bganba asked the Russian government to resume co-financing the salaries of public sector employees. The authorities of the unrecognized republic have stopped paying salaries to public sector employees, new power outage schedules have been introduced since December 9, and schools and kindergartens have been closed since December 10. There is also a shortage of funds to pay salaries to security forces.
Before this, Abkhazia refused to conclude an economic agreement with Russia on investments. Earlier, its possible adoption caused mass protests. This agreement was the subject of harsh criticism from the opposition. Many residents feared that the arrival of Russian business in the unrecognized republic would leave them without work.
