South Ossetian youth sound off on the prospect of a political career
Youth organisation activists in South ossetia spoke to JAMnews on how to build a political career and become successful in South Ossetia
[su_heading size=”18″ margin=”50″]JAMnews: If you were to be a South Ossetian leader, what would be some of the main changes you would enact in its political makeup and why?[/su_heading]
Aslan*, economist, Academy of Finance graduate:
“The main thing is to fill the sham branches of the government with real content and substance. Today, everyone just points their finger upwards, as if to say – take up your issue with the president. This vicious and shameful practice must cease. All the state’s branches – legislative, executive and judicial – must actually function.”
Vyacheslav Khozity, founder of the public organisation Iry Sombon, Moscow Institute of Internal Relations graduate
“The president has control over most of the issues today, starting from legislative and ending with the judicial system. The authorities have announced a massive reform of the judicial system, but the constitutional court isn’t working, and without that this move is nothing but a PR stunt.
“Instead of real elections to local governing bodies, we have suspicious ‘primaries’. As a result, local leaders are also appointed by the president.”
Georgi Tskhovrebov, student:
“I’d first unite North and South Alania. This would be the correct policy to reunite two parts of the same nation. And this would bare fruit as well and would prevent the two regions from diverging culturally.”
[su_heading size=”18″ margin=”50″]JAMnews:What should the main priorities be in South Ossetia for internal politics? [/su_heading]
Aslan:
“The recovery of society. It suffers from a whole bouquet of maladies. We’ve lost ideological values while morals have become corrupted. The youth are becoming more degraded as they don’t see any worthy examples. All of this could be stopped and the best things that characterise us as a nation could be revived. We just need to work for it.”
Vyacheslav Khozity
“The main priorities should be healthcare, education and an effective demographic policy – especially helping families with many children. We also need to halt the emigration of the population, especially from the regions.
“What is in the way of these goals?
“There is no economic programme, but there is a negative investment climate. There are non-transparent tenders, or they are entirely absent. Decisions to renovate destroyed buildings are taken in a non-transparent manner.
“And the main reason behind all of this is the high level of corruption.”
Georgi Tskhovrebov
“Again, the unification of the north and south. And this isn’t a legal issue either, the process must be carried out as practically and realistically as possible. And we should also take global experience into account.”
[su_heading size=”18″ margin=”50″]JAMnews: What policies should have more prominence in South Ossetia’s foreign affairs?[/su_heading]
Aslan:
“South Ossetia must stop confirming the accusations of our enemies that we are a puppet regime on occupied territory. Unfortunately, we periodically give them reasons to do so.
“After the recognition of our sovereignty by Russia, we weakened a bit and decided that the struggle for the future of the state had ended. But that’s not so.
“Moreover, we are confused by internal political events that disorient the public and promises short-term entry into Russia. In doing so, they do away with the possibility of us working hard to build the state of Alania.”
Vyacheslav Khozity:
“We need an aggressive – in the good meaning of the word – foreign policy. Unfortunately, after 2011, South Ossetia was not recognised by a single state. Moreover, there has been no concept put forward for our foreign affairs.
“We needed more integration with Russia: to get rid of tolls, tariffs and make the process of receiving Russian citizenship simpler.
“South Ossetia has to more actively inform the international community about the Ossetian genocide and its right to sovereign rule.
The Ossetian diaspora must also play its role, they can help us overcome the information barrier.”
Georgi Tskhovrebov:
“We need to improve our diplomatic relations not only with Russia but with other states.”
[su_heading size=”18″ margin=”50″]JAMnews: How can one become a real politician in South Ossetia? [/su_heading]
Aslan:
“It’s pretty easy to become a politician these days. You just need to be a strong-headed opportunist and to change your views and principles at the right time. Actually, it’s ideal not to have them at all.
“In order for this to change, we need to choose candidates not only for the presidency or for parliament, but for more roles. The electoral process must regain its legitimacy.’
Vyacheslav Khozity:
“At this point there’s no reason to talk about successful politicians that have come from the civil sector or big businesses.”
Georgi Tskhovrebov:
“In order to become a real politician in South Ossetia and and be part of the group of influential politicians you have to study well, know the history of your homeland and be able to defend your opinion.”
*Name has been changed to protect the identity of the individual.
