Among the concerns expressed by society is: "If Sadyr Japarov and Kamchybek Tashiev cannot come to an agreement, it may lead to a split of the country into north and south." How do you comment on this?
- Hello! I am categorically against the division into north and south. Politicians often use such splits when it is beneficial for them, manipulating ordinary people.
Since gaining independence, politicians have incessantly divided our country. I saw this myself in 2005 when I first entered politics. Half of the government consisted of representatives from the north, the other half from the south, and even in some ministries, this practice was adhered to.
It was very bitter to observe.
I promised myself: "If I am ever destined to become president, I will definitely try to heal this disease of Kyrgyzstan."
Since 2021, as you have noticed, such divisions are gradually disappearing. We conducted a rotation of district akims, as well as heads of courts, prosecutors, GKNB, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The rotation was 100%. There is not a single akim from the southern regions left in the south; all have been appointed from the north. The situation is similar in the north – akims are only from the southern regions.
The same applies to judges. The results were not long in coming — the level of division has noticeably decreased. God willing, we will continue this in the айыл окмоту. This is necessary, as often the heads of the айыл окмоту distribute resources only in favor of their close ones in their native villages.
For example, tenders are won by relatives, and irrigated lands are given to people from the circle of the head of the айыл окмоту — there are many such cases.
We will gradually eradicate this phenomenon, although it will take time. We also need to address housing issues.
If you are interested in other measures to eliminate divisions between the north and south, I can talk about that as well.
A few years ago, we opened the "Akyilman" school, where we gathered the best and most talented children from both parts of the country and educate them in a boarding school format in Cholpon-Ata.
Now such schools are being built across the country. In 2-3 years, the construction of 7-8 "Akyilman" schools will be completed.
Our boys and girls study together, regardless of the region. For example, the children currently studying in Cholpon-Ata came from all regions, and similarly in Osh – education will be available for all.
Upon completion of these schools and universities, graduates will be able to directly enter the civil service. Last year, I initiated a bill that has already come into force.
This decision was made so that "Akyilman" graduates would not be left without work in the future, even if I leave office and the law is not adopted.
We spend state funds on the education of these gifted children, who will work in the civil service in 5-6 years. They will become the cadres of the future and will not divide Kyrgyzstan.
In February of last year, I started a new project. I gathered the head of the Cabinet and ministers and gave them instructions.
We plan to build student dormitories in regional centers and implement a rotation of students studying on a budget quota starting September 1, 2026.
In the country, 10,000 budget places are allocated for applicants: 5,000 for the south, 5,000 for the north.
Students from the north will study in the south, and students from the south will study in the north. I initiated the construction of dormitories in seven regions, but the project has been postponed to September next year due to delays.
After the SCO summit and the World Nomad Games, construction will begin.
Starting next September, students studying on a budget quota will study on a rotation system. This will eliminate the "north-south" problems.
Among the 5,000 students coming from the north to the south, there will be those who will create families, leading to an exchange of mentalities and cultures. The same will happen among the 5,000 students from the south studying in the north.
Thus, in 20-30 years, the "north-south" problem will disappear. If such measures are not taken, it will be impossible to eradicate this disease.
I appeal to the people: do not succumb to provocations, it does not matter whether the president is from the north or the south. The main thing is that he works honestly and effectively. As Deng Xiaoping said: "It doesn't matter if it's a black cat or a white cat, as long as it catches mice." The president must be honest, fair, and work for everyone.
In the country, equal work is being done without dividing into regions: facilities are being built, roads are being asphalted, and social buildings are being erected. Every citizen should understand that all this is being carried out with state and people's funds.
- Recently, the deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh continue to divide into groups. You previously mentioned that this was the reason for your friend's departure from office. How do you comment on this?
- As I have already noted, all divisions are initiated by politicians. Ordinary people become just instruments. Politicians use people to achieve their goals, but ordinary citizens do not benefit from this. Even the table will not become larger, and an extra piece of bread will not fall.
In the turmoil, ordinary people suffer and die. Have you seen anyone from a politician's family suffer in the last 30 years?
It is not worth making a tragedy out of the words of politicians.
I will ultimately eradicate the "north-south" problem. It just takes time.
Let me give you another example. After my appointment as president, I visited Batken and met with local residents.
One of them told me that there was not a single minister from Batken in the government. I replied: "Tomorrow I will appoint a minister from Batken, will you have more food on the table?" He replied: "No." And I added: "I will be your minister and deputy, treating all regions equally."
I still adhere to this principle. Houses are being built in Batken under the GIK program, stadiums, roads, and schools are being constructed.
I direct investors to build factories and plants in Batken. Of course, there are shortcomings — not everything can be fixed in one year.
I inherited a state that was mired in problems. We are aware that in some regions, assistance reaches less. We monitor how much funding has been allocated for each region, and if it does not work out this year, we will carry it over to next year.
- Some politicians, elders, and activists call on you and Kamchybek Tashiev to come to an agreement for the future of the country. Do you still maintain your position on friendship with him?
- Yes, I maintain the same position. I prefer to resolve contentious issues calmly, without conflict. We will remain friends. But my friend will not return to a government position. Let him rest and take care of his health.
Let him rid himself of the so-called "elders and koksakals."
The investigative authorities will thoroughly examine the situation. Of course, he may be dissatisfied now, but in years he will understand that I acted correctly.
- There are rumors in society that you have started to remove ministers and people close to your friend, some are leaving voluntarily. Is this true? Are you really initiating their resignations?
- I have not told anyone to leave their position. I said: let everyone calmly perform their duties.
If someone leaves voluntarily — we do not hold them back. But there will be an audit for theft in all ministries. If facts are revealed, those responsible will be held accountable.
"I have always warned, starting with the head of the government and all ministers: do not hire close relatives, friends, fellow countrymen, or in-laws. Those who think that their uncle or brother will cover for them start stealing without fear."
If facts of theft are established, anyone will be held accountable, regardless of their position.
Fortunately, I have not allowed relatives to hold high government positions. I have not involved them in politics.
When I first started my duties, I was criticized for having "two of my in-laws in power." I removed both of them, even though they had worked in the system before I came. I said: "You must understand that I am being criticized, temporarily step down from your positions," and I removed them from their posts.
- If there really were 75 politicians or deputies, and their plans were realized, whether it be early elections or a coup, how would you envision today?
- There will be no coup. First, the laws do not allow it, and secondly, there are no conditions for it.
The country must be governed by reason, not by force. There is a saying: "The strong will defeat one, but the strong in knowledge will defeat a thousand."
Such ideas arise from a lack of intellect. Who governed by force, like Bakiev, where is he now? Those who governed by force, Atambayev — where is he?
We must learn from the past. I work 20 hours a day, controlling everything, and if something goes wrong, I immediately give instructions to the relevant ministers and akims for prompt correction of the situation.
"I have been working for five years, not sparing myself, with one goal — to remain on the clean pages of history and not leave grounds for reproach to my descendants. Of course, there are shortcomings, but it is impossible to control everything 100 percent, as I am not a robot. However, at the level of 70-80 percent, we manage to ensure control."
- There are rumors that "Kamchybek Tashiev has left, and now the fight against organized crime and corruption will stop." How do you comment on this?
- First of all, we currently have no organized crime, and there will be none. Crimes occur, but no one can completely eradicate them. Where there are people, everything happens.
However, such groups, as before, will no longer exist. They are either in places of deprivation of liberty or hiding abroad. If criminals think they can return to Kyrgyzstan and establish their criminal laws, they are mistaken.
Kyrgyzstan has become different. It is necessary to distinguish between the country before 2020 and after. The power after 2020 is a power that does not collude with criminals. Therefore, there will be no organized crime.
The fight against corruption will never cease. It will continue forever. No country can claim to have completely eradicated corruption, even Singapore has a corruption level of 15-16 percent.
It is unnecessary to engage in PR and assert that we have no corruption. It exists in various forms: economic, political, clan, and others. We are making every effort to reduce it.
Dealing with crime was not difficult — order was restored quickly. However, it has not been possible to completely deal with corruption over the past five years. If God wills, we will try to reduce its level.
We have the strength and skills for this. I instructed the law enforcement agencies: "In the fight against crime and corruption, you have a green light, work without PR, calmly and professionally."
- Last question: have you met with your friend since his departure from office?
If the meeting took place, what did you talk about?
- Yes, we met. Last night I received him and said: "Rest, my friend, take care of your health, live peacefully."
My friend said that he had not communicated with any "elders" or "koksakals."
This confirms that they acted independently, without informing him, as if doing him a "disservice."
We will restore order and clarify the situation. Thank God, we have enough strength for this.
Interviewed by the director of KNAI "Kabar" Mederbek Shermetaliev
