Critics of the Kyrgyz government, accusing it of authoritarianism and despotism, are fundamentally mistaken. The main focus of high-level domestic policy is on preventing any destabilization. In this regard, the leadership actively responds to public opinion and expressions of discontent.
What can lead to destabilization? This can be both deliberate provocations by interested parties and accidental mistakes made "with the best intentions," but without taking the real situation into account. As a result, it is the authorities who end up paying the price.
It is unlikely that anyone genuinely wants to create chaos in the country again, but such a situation has arisen around the replacement of driver's licenses. However, in the end, everything worked out. If this process had been left unattended, the consequences could have been unpredictable, but intervention from above changed the course of events.
The situation with protests at the end of November and the beginning of December 2023 is a confirmation of this. Market workers across the country protested against the implementation of cash register machines (CRM). In the capital and other cities, tense relations arose between traders and representatives of the Ministry of Economy and the tax service. Officials claimed that those opposing the CRM were hiding their real incomes from taxation, while traders complained about the oppressive conditions created by the state.
President Sadyr Japarov established a special commission to investigate the situation and personally visited the largest market "Dordoi" to communicate with its workers and draw conclusions.
The head of the State National Security Committee, Kamchybek Tashiev, also spoke on this issue, noting that market owners earn huge sums, while the conditions for tenants often leave much to be desired. He called for a reduction in rental rates and for small entrepreneurs to be provided with free CRM.
Tashiev also warned provocateurs inciting the public to protests and urged entrepreneurs not to succumb to provocations.
The problem was successfully resolved.
Similarly, the issue of power outages could also have been addressed. Public tension could have been reduced simply by prohibiting energy companies from continuing regular outages. From July to October 2025, some areas of Bishkek experienced systematic power outages. Officials predicted that the situation could worsen in winter. The public was worried and recalled the transition to alternative energy sources.
However, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the State National Security Committee Kamchybek Tashiev stated: "Power outages in winter are unacceptable," which was said at the opening of a new administrative building for the power grid in Naryn. He called for concrete actions instead of spreading panic, so that there would be light in homes and peace in the country.
The situation with the replacement of driver's licenses also showed that it is possible to avoid unnecessary hype. It is important to think through and calculate all steps in advance to avoid creating difficulties for citizens. People should not have to stand in long lines for medical certificates and spend a lot of time in the auto registration centers.
When the authorities genuinely care about the population, it turns out that there is no need for mandatory license replacement if they are indefinite and not required for travel abroad. The replacement becomes a voluntary matter.
The public calmed down, and the hype subsided. The question remains: why couldn't the rules be clarified and explanations provided earlier, before the onset of mass discontent? Perhaps this is related to the fact that it is equally difficult for the authorities to cultivate responsible and competent officials who genuinely care about the well-being of the people. Unfortunately, this is only contemplated by those at the highest levels of power.
In the summer of 2023, Kamchybek Tashiev managed to resolve the issue of fuel pricing in one meeting, stating that the prices for diesel were inflated and calling on oil traders to be socially responsible.
In November 2025, Tashiev spoke out again, expressing dissatisfaction with the rise in food prices, especially meat. He noted that local authorities do not control prices and show negligence, and will now bear personal responsibility for this.
Changing the established system that has developed over decades is not an easy task, but the country's leadership is capable of handling this challenge. Sadyr Japarov and Kamchybek Tashiev, monitoring the situation in the country, understand that peace and stability in society, as well as socio-political security, depend on it.
