The de facto parliament of “South Ossetia”/Tskhinvali region has unanimously approved Marat Kambolov as the region’s so-called Prime Minister.
Kambolov, a Russian official from North Ossetia, arrived in Tskhinvali in early June and was quickly promoted from chief advisor to the region’s de facto leader, Alan Gagloev, to head of the so-called government.
JAMnews reports that Kambolov’s nomination was submitted by Alan Gagloev. However, local political observers reportedly see the appointment as more than a routine personnel change. There is growing speculation in Tskhinvali that Moscow’s new representative could eventually be positioned to assume the role of the region’s de facto leader.
Kambolov has held senior positions in several Russian federal institutions, including the Federal Antimonopoly Service and agencies responsible for nationality and regional policy.
Speaking before the parliament after his appointment, Kambolov identified the demographic crisis as the region’s most pressing challenge. He said the population of “South Ossetia” has nearly halved over the past three decades, creating social, economic, and political difficulties.
“The economy does not work without people, schools lose their meaning without children, and villages disappear without a population,” Kambolov said. He added that government decisions should focus on creating opportunities for residents.
The new so-called Prime Minister also stressed the importance of preserving Ossetian language, traditions, and historical memory.
Kambolov devoted significant attention to relations with Russia, describing Moscow’s support as crucial to the region’s development. He said Russia had played a key role in maintaining security and stability during difficult periods.
His appointment follows an agreement signed in May between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Alan Gagloev to deepen alliance relations between Russia and the occupied region. Shortly afterward, Gagloev appointed Kambolov as an advisor and tasked him with coordinating implementation of the agreement.
Many observers interpreted his rapid rise as a sign of increasing Kremlin involvement in the internal governance of the region. Some local political figures reportedly believe Moscow is dissatisfied with the performance of the current administration and is seeking greater control over local affairs.
The appointment also comes as allegations continue that officials in the occupied region may have misused billions of dollars in loans provided by Russian financial institutions. Some local experts suggest one of Kambolov’s key responsibilities could be overseeing an audit of the financial system and state-funded projects.
Related stories:
