Azmat Kasybekov, head of the Independent Union of Journalists of Kyrgyzstan, shared his thoughts on the documentary film "President" by Aibek Biibosunov on his social media page. He highlighted topics related to the film, politics, and human destinies.
“I watched this author's four-part film created by the well-known journalist Aibek Biibosunov. Considering that many began discussing its artistic merits or shortcomings after the first episode, I decided to wait until I had seen the entire series before expressing my opinion. I can say one thing: I liked the film,” he noted.
In his opinion, the work is done professionally and qualitatively, with subtle nuances but without overt propaganda. Kasybekov believes that this project summarizes the five-year presidential term. An important moment in it is the recollection of Deputy Prime Minister Kamchybek Kydyrshaevich about the goals set for the new president at the time of his appointment: to regain Kumtor, eradicate corruption, defeat organized crime, and resolve border issues.
Kasybekov notes that, overall, the duumvirate has managed these tasks. However, he questions the assertion that only 30% of corruption remains to be fought. The first term of Japarov resembles a Soviet five-year plan with slogans of “catching up and surpassing.” People worked to the limit of their capabilities, laboring tirelessly. This is reflected in the president's appearance: over five years, he has noticeably aged, his hair has turned gray, and his face has become wrinkled.
Touching on the future, Kasybekov emphasizes that Japarov, judging by his unspoken words, was already thinking about a second term back then. Kamchybek Tashiev, according to him, openly expressed support for his friend in the upcoming presidential elections. The president also shared plans for the next 5-6 years, including major infrastructure projects such as the China–Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan railway and the construction of hydropower plants, which, he said, should ensure GDP growth.
Kasybekov agrees on the necessity to focus on the economy in the coming years. He points out the importance of not only increasing the budget but also the rational expenditure of funds, the creation of a stabilization fund, and the development of a real economy, including exports and tourism. Regarding the president's ambitious goal of entering the top ten most developed countries, he remains skeptical but admits that with sustainable economic growth over the next 10-20 years, people may feel stability and opportunities for business.
“I am not inclined to trust people, but I trust numbers. The statistics presented in the film indicate an increase in state revenues and an increase in the liquidity of state assets. At the same time, one must not forget about small and medium-sized businesses, which account for over 40% of GDP,” he emphasizes. It is no coincidence that the president recently proposed a package of tax and regulatory relief for entrepreneurs.
The film also shows the true face of the president. Kasybekov, analyzing his figure, notes that behind the image of a simple “elpek bala” lies a tough pragmatist who has gone through difficult trials. This was evident during the Kyrgyz-Tajik conflict: despite pressure and protests, he did not succumb to emotions and was the first to go to Emomali Rahmon with a proposal for peace, which yielded results. In the context of the conflict, he maintained his human qualities, which is a true achievement.
Kasybekov believes that there is a need for the memoir genre in Kyrgyzstan, and it would be right for politicians to leave memories of how decisions are made and what politics looks like from the inside. This is important for the youth. In this sense, the film "President" can be seen as a kind of memoir project that underscores the relevance of such a format,” concluded Azamat Kasybekov.
