Abkhazians will not give up Russian money

Image removed.Sergey Baghapsh. Photo © "Liberali"

Abkhazian president Sergey Baghapsh makes a sensational promise to the people. He says he will overcome corruption in the country very soon.

In Abkhazia, where corruption is flourishing like a pink oleander in spring, few believe in the promise of Baghapsh. "Call the reception of the President or Prime Minister if any state official demands money from you. It is not necessary to name yourself. We will react to any call," Abkhazia's President Sergey Baghapsh said on television.

He also pointed out that currently information was being checked whether privatization fund took bribes from people instead of giving out special credits for the development of small and medium businesses. "Effective control system will be created so that the money allocated by the state to develop business reaches the target," President said.

For the last month this was the second statement of Baghapsh where he spoke about fighting corruption, whereas in previous years the government did not recognize, even hypothetically, that the problem existed. What is the reason for this sudden awakening? Abkhaz officials did not learn how to take bribes one month ago. They actively applied the practice before and created their own welfare, especially that "work" conditions were ideal - not an ounce of risk. In neighboring Russia, which is also drenched in corruption, someone may get arrested every now and then, imprisoned and deprived of stolen wealth. But in Abkhazia nothing of the kind has ever happened. The biggest thing that corrupted official should fear is dismissal from job. And this "highest measure" of punishment was applied only in very particular cases.

Fingers of one hand are enough to list the officials who were not lucky enough and lost their jobs. Baghapsh was probably aware of his subordinates' weaknesses before (he is neither a king nor comrade Stalin to know nothing about local violations), but made no effort to hinder the process. He probably realized that without serious reforms in all important spheres it would be impossible to change the situation drastically.

And Baghapsh has never been ready for such reforms. Despite his rhetoric of the last month, he does not show signs of being ready for revolutionary changes even now.

Baghapsh knows that this is a risky game. If he truly intends to fight corruption, then he will unavoidably have to face dishonestly enriched, inflated bureaucratic apparatus; plus, without any guarantee for success.

Baghapsh is not a revolutionary politician. His slogan is stable development. Besides, he will not be able to run for the next presidential term. Thus, what is the point of enrolling in a dangerous campaign? Not only government critics, but the government itself knows very well that his maximum in the fight of corruption is hot line phones. But what new will the anonymous calls say? Nothing that is not known on the other side of the line.

Springs of the "fight" for corruption initiated by Baghapsh should be sought more in the foreign factor. For over half a year the republic's government has held tense negotiations with the Kremlin upon who should control financial assistance coming from Russia to Abkhazia.

The question referrs to quite a big amount. Russia has taken responsibility to allocate 10 billion Roubles (600 million GEL) to Abkhazia for the next three years. Moscow wanted the Ministry of Regional Development to create a separate directors' board, which would personally control the spending of the money sent to Abkhazia.

Naturally, this plan was not particularly approved in Abkhazia. First, it would be the direct and shortest way for full management of Abkhazia by the outside country; second, Abkhaz bureaucracy has long made plans how to grab such solid assistance. This is the case when national interests do not clash with personal ones.

Finally, spoilt by overall support within the country and backed by patriotic motivation, Abkhaz officials who participated in negotiations, showed fierce resistance to the Kremlin. They have not been so firm for the last two years.

After recognition of Abkhaz statehood by Russia, as a sign of gratitude, official Sokhumi made concessions to official Russia in many issues, including joint protection of border, military cooperation which damaged national interests.

Sokhumi put forth its principles when the matter touched the issue of using and controlling money. Abkhazia did not want to agree with Russia on the issue. As the saying goes, "The scythe has hit a stone". Prime Minister Shamba stated on a press conference at the end of the month the government's position on the issue.

"Establishment of a Russian directors' board was envisaged at the Ministry of Regional Development, which would actually manage the coming financial sources. We are categorically against it as we said we are not Russia's region. The Regional Development Ministry of Russian Federation should not decide for us what and how to spend. We have the government, which is ready for cooperation. But we will decide where and how to direct these sources and how to control them. We have seen what kind of disagreement was caused by the implementation of similar projects by a similar board, and we do not need the same result. We do not want to repeat the mistake. We have our own approach. The issue will be decided the way we offerred them. Let them send the money and we will take care of the projects ourselves," - stated the head of the government.

Nevertheless, the South Ossetian precedent is an important proof not only for Sokhumi but for the Kremlin. Although Kokoity accuses residents of the Regional Development Ministry of grabbing Russian assistance, but the latter lays charges on Kokoity and his surrounding.

Presumably, the story will repeat in Abkhazia as well. Moscow will try to interfere in Sokhumi's internal affairs, similar to Tskhinvali. His official argument will be the same as in South Ossetia - untargeted spending of Russian assistance.

Thus, sudden wish to fight corruption on the side of the Abkhazian government is probably connected to the anticipation of Russian money.

The terminology used in the article belongs to the author only and not to “The Liberal”

The article has been prepared with the support of Heinrich Boell Foundation. The views and opinions expressed in the publication do not necessarily reflect those of Heinrich Boell Foundation.