Following the resignation of de facto South Ossetian leader Alan Gagloev, the Russian-occupied region will be temporarily headed by Russian citizen Marat Kambolov, who was appointed prime minister just over a week ago.
Before taking up his post in the occupied region, Kambolov worked in the Russian government. He was nominated for the position of prime minister by Gagloev on June 8. On June 16, his candidacy was approved by the de facto parliament, and he was formally appointed head of government.
Kambolov served as prime minister for only one week before assuming the duties of the de facto president. Under the region’s de facto legislation, the prime minister automatically takes over presidential responsibilities in the event of a resignation until early elections are held.
The political reshuffle in Tskhinvali follows the signing of an agreement on the “deepening of allied cooperation” between Moscow and the de facto authorities on May 9.
The agreement allows Russian citizens to hold political positions in the occupied region, marking a further step in the integration of South Ossetia with Russia. Critics say the arrangement deepens Moscow’s influence over the region and further undermines its already limited autonomy.
South Ossetia remains internationally recognized as part of Georgia, despite being under Russian occupation since the 2008 Russia–Georgia war. Most countries and international organizations continue to recognize Georgia’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
