On 23 June, the de facto president, Alan Gagloev, addressed the population via a video message informing them of his resignation. The longstanding dissatisfaction of the Kremlin with Gagloev’s administration ultimately culminated in his resignation.

As had been reported by various sources, Moscow had been demanding that Gagloev step down. The de facto leader did not find it easy to make this decision. Prior to leaving office, Gagloev nevertheless managed to reward members of his entourage and distribute favours: he granted general ranks, transferred land plots, buildings, and decommissioned high-value official SUVs at a symbolic price (approximately 600 GEL). It is noteworthy that Alexander Chochiyev, head of the so-called Customs Committee, whom he had promoted, was detained on Russian territory only a few days after receiving his rank on charges of bribery.

Among the current authorities, only Gagloev himself received security guarantees from the Kremlin. He was appointed as an adviser to the President of the Russian Federation; however, according to the Kremlin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, his specific functions have not yet been defined.

Until the elections, the duties of the de facto president are being carried out by Marat Kambolov, a trusted figure of the Kremlin. From his very first day in office, he has actively begun work and announced plans to address regional issues, including gasification, increases in salaries and pensions, and resolving the kilometre-long queues at the Zaramag checkpoint.

Despite this activity, Kambolov’s first personnel decision triggered significant dissatisfaction among local residents. He appointed Alan Alborov, a former head of administration and one of the key figures in Gagloev’s team, as an adviser, whereas local public demand has been for a complete replacement of the existing administrative personnel in the so-called ministries.

Gagloev’s resignation has received wide coverage in Georgian media and public discourse. Some analysts have linked the development to the possible annexation of South Ossetia. A contrasting view has emerged in Tskhinvali. A section of the local population fears that Moscow may be preparing the region for a return to Tbilisi’s control. Against this backdrop of uncertainty, the Georgian authorities have opted for complete silence and have made no assessments regarding the Kremlin’s political course. This comes in a context where an allied agreement between the so-called South Ossetia and the Kremlin was signed on 9 May.

In the context of the ongoing political crisis, the Democracy Research Institute calls on the Georgian Dream government to raise the issue of the anticipated annexation of so-called South Ossetia at the 67th round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) on 1 July.