First Term as Prime Minister (1995–1997)

Gagulia became the first Prime Minister of Abkhazia in 1995 following the adoption of the 1994 Constitution of Abkhazia.^[1] As prime minister Gagulia had a reputation for being the most pro-Russian of Abkhazia's prime ministers. He steadfastly opposed both reunification with Georgia and the withdrawal of Russian troops from the Georgian-Abkhaz border. He also alluded to the possibility of Abkhazia unifying with Russia.^{[citation needed]} While in this role, he met with a number of foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze.^{[citation needed]} In 1997, Gagulia resigned from the prime ministership, citing health reasons.

Career (1997–2002)

In between his first two terms as prime minister, Gagulia served as the chair of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Abkhazia. He was also deputy prime minister under Anri Jergenia.^{[citation needed]}

Second Term as Prime Minister (2002–2003)

When Jergenia was fired on 29 November 2002, Gagulia was appointed as prime minister for the second time.^[2] He only served for only 5 months until Gagulia's government filed for resignation on 7 April 2003. Earlier that day, nine Abkhazian prisoners had escaped, four of which had been sentenced to death due to their involvement in the 2001 Kodori crisis.^[3] President Ardzinba initially refused to accept Gagulia's resignation, but was forced to agree on 8 April.^[4] Vice President Valery Arshba denied on 8 April that the government's resignation was due to the prison escape, and stated that instead it was caused by the opposition's plans to hold protest rallies on 10 April.^[5]

Career after his Second Term (2003–2018)

On 15 December 2003, Gagulia was appointed head of the Presidential administration, succeeding Miron Agrba.^[6] On 18 June 2004, Gagulia resigned from his post, stating "There is a certain scenario to the presidential elections in Abkhazia. I don't match this scenario and thus I prefer to step down."^[7]

It had been suggested that Ardzinba may have also favoured Gagulia to replace him as president, but Ardzinba instead decided to back then-Prime Minister Raul Khajimba.

On 24 June 2004, Gagulia was again appointed head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Abkhazia, succeeding Yuri Aqaba.^[8] Gagulia remained in that position until April 2018.

Third Term as Prime Minister (2018)

Gagulia was reappointed Prime Minister of Abkhazia in April 2018 by President Raul Khajimba, replacing Beslan Bartsits.^[9]