The new president took his oath with an impenetrable face. His inaugural speech was short. A new period of the Abkhaz history started in which the first riddle is the personality of the president.

          Some people hate him and consider a despot, others stake on his firm character and suppose he will bring in order. In contrast to the first two presidents he does not like high-flown speeches, he is not the public’s favorite but indeed many pin their hopes on him which a skeptic could call romantic. 

What are these expectations based upon?

          During the whole postwar period of our history authorities did not have enough political will to bring in elementary order (let’s remember at least the jumble on the roads, garbage everywhere and endless” Occupied”), for reforms, which simplify administrative management, for eradication of corruption, etc.

Why do we expect that at least Ankvab will start trying to move in that direction?

          In his asset there is courage he returns to power after every attempt on his life, professionalism, a skill to build   with good quality and taste and  rumors  that he left after the war because  he did not agree with the policy of permissiveness.

          Among his minuses it is an ability to humiliate those who are afraid of him, the absence of well - organized team and non - understanding of how much   people are able to  do if to trust them rightly and set clear  goals.

          Authorities can strengthen both accomplishments and shortages.

          First steps till gaining victory at the elections and inauguration (abolition of insurance on the border, dismissal of some officials with corrupt reputation, wide consultations on human recourses, etc.) in fact raise hopes for renovation.

          People want to believe in good, and myths are instantly created. A car was exploded not far from the presidential residence, at once a rumor appeared that they wanted to frighten Ankvab, but he is not afraid of them. According  to these rumors one can see how people need a strong fair power, which renders all to merits, for some will provide for “a cell with a view of the sea”, others will be allowed to earn  honestly to lead  a dignified life.

          It is unlikely that Alexandr Ankvab will be able to justify all the expectations that people have of him. That this is impossible is unfortunate but does not depend solely on him. At least one can say that the persistence he has displayed over the years to achieve his goal is intriguing. It is not just a run-of-the-mill push for power; something in his inscrutable face suggests a man who wants to go down in history for what he has created...

Nadezhda Venedictova