A meeting in Moscow of the Russian premier and the head of South Ossetia has become more proof of a well-known fact - Vladimir Putin is one of few politicians who strives for establishing a system of separation of powers on the territories within Russia's jurisdiction. The fact that the influence of President Kokoyta on the economic sector was limited shows that the Russian government has got tired of the uncontrollable expenses for its financial aid. Meanwhile the figures are quite stunning - 26 billion roubles (almost $1 billion). Moreover experts say Tskhinvali is far from being fully restored, but judging by the size of the South Ossetian capital, Yuri Luzhkov, the mayor of Moscow, could have reconstructed the city in about three days.
Foreign media came to a snap conclusion, saying Putin has "de-facto" established control over the activity of Kokoyta, but this is an exaggeration. Generally speaking, the Kremlin is not willing to be responsible for all the activities of the South Ossetian government. The issues of the state's prestige should remain in the jurisdiction of the ruling authorities, but everything connected with subsidies and investments is down to Moscow.
The confrontation between Kokoyta and Borovtsev, the South Ossetian premier, is not something new. The president of South Ossetia has appealed to Moscow several times with a request to appoint a less confrontational politician to the post. But this is unlikely after the Moscow meeting.
It is hard to speak about the development of this situation. But obviously Borovtsev is in none too good a situation. To prove his point, Borovtsev has to show good results, respective to the investments made by the Russian government. Until then, the conflict between the president and the premier will remain the main issue of South Ossetia's political life. It is hoped that beautiful and glorious Tskhinvali will be restored as soon as possible.
Alexei Vlasov. Exclusively for VK.
