Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, shared his thoughts on recent events in the political life of Kyrgyzstan concerning the resignation of Kamchybek Tashiev from the position of head of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB). Below are his words:
“It is important to openly express one’s position regarding the recent changes. For five years, it has been clear to everyone that President Sadyr Japarov was building a governance system based on his close ally Kamchybek Tashiev. All important state decisions were made only after joint discussions and consultations. This model, based on mutual responsibility, turned out to be surprisingly resilient, which could not fail to attract the interest of both domestic and foreign observers.”
“I am confident that such a system could continue to serve the people’s interests. We remember how General Tashiev repeatedly publicly confirmed his support for the president, stating his readiness to support his course and elections. These statements were clear and unambiguous.”
“However, in recent months, some irresponsible individuals, using the name of the people's general, began to voice their personal ambitions. They started to claim that they made decisions about power, creating an atmosphere of misunderstanding and hidden confrontation. It is they who began to undermine the stability that had ensured stability for many years. Rumors arose in society about alleged dual power and the need for early elections, calling into question the legitimacy of the current authorities.”
“These provocateurs and their ambitions led to a rift between Sadyr Japarov and Kamchybek Tashiev, which threatens the stability of society as a whole. This is unacceptable for the state. Power must be clear and concentrated in one center of responsibility. President Sadyr Japarov took an oath to the people and the Constitution, and it is his duty to ensure unity and stability, protect the Constitution, and prevent the usurpation of power.”
“We cannot allow the mistakes of the past to be repeated, where important decisions were reduced to personal relationships. The president must serve the people and the Constitution, and no personal connections or past merits can influence his oath. As a mature society, we must focus on discussing state issues, not personal relationships.”
“Moreover, it should be acknowledged that in recent years there has been a disbalance in the system of public administration. The excessive concentration of functions in security agencies has led some of their representatives to act beyond their authority, creating an atmosphere of fear and persecution. This has provoked justified criticism from society and youth.”
“We have already gone through moments when legality was replaced by political expediency. The destruction of the principle of the rule of law undermines the foundations of a constitutional state. No justifications can excuse the excesses that contradict the spirit of our Constitution. The Kyrgyz Republic must remain a rule-of-law state that protects the rights of every citizen. The period of excessive powers and institutional imbalance must remain in the past; we must strive for a rule-of-law state where each authority acts within its functions.”
“I regret that a certain stage of our political history has ended in this way—unexpectedly for all of us. However, this period of ambiguity must come to an end. We must pay tribute to General Tashiev for his call for peace and refusal to engage in illegal actions.”
“Today, Kyrgyzstan faces important tasks. We must prepare for major international events and celebrate the 35th anniversary of our independence with dignity. This needs to be done in a calm and stable atmosphere. Presidential elections are to be held in January next year. I can assure you that this year the people, every family, and every citizen will feel a noticeable improvement in the quality of life. The people's government is working hard to fulfill the tasks set by the head of state. We need to unite around the elected president Sadyr Japarov and support the course towards strengthening legality and stability, continuing the work for the future of Kyrgyzstan.”
