The recent appointment of Janarbek Akayev, who was previously a member of the Jogorku Kenesh, as the mayor of Osh has become one of the most discussed topics in political circles over the past two days. A vibrant personality and former journalist, Akayev evokes mixed feelings among experts. The main question is whether this public politician can adapt to the role of an effective manager. Concerns arise regarding his ability to handle the realities of tender procedures and outdated infrastructure, considering his tendency towards criticism.
Political scientist Asel Omurakova shared her thoughts: "It seems that Janar Akayev confidently headed to Osh, believing he could sort out the situation. His appointment was unexpected for me." She highlighted several key points:
Firstly, his previous activities show that Akayev is an impulsive and emotional person, which can be both a strength and a weakness. In public politics, such qualities help gain recognition, but managing a city requires a completely different approach. This involves constant conflicts of interest, budget constraints, and the need to conduct complex negotiations. Emotionality in such conditions can lead to managerial risks.
Secondly, it is worth noting the lack of experience in municipal management. A city of republican significance represents a complex system with a budget, infrastructure, tender procedures, and communal crises. Here, not only political will is important, but also an understanding of regulations and managerial logic. Without this, the likelihood of mistakes significantly increases, especially at the initial stage.
Thirdly, the new mayor will be compared to his predecessor, who has already established himself as an effective manager and enjoyed a high level of trust. As a result, Akayev will have to start with inflated expectations and skepticism, creating challenging conditions for a fresh start. PR alone is clearly insufficient here.
It is important to emphasize that this is not about personal sympathies or antipathies. Managing a large city is not a platform for political growth "on the go." It is an area of high responsibility, where a mistake can have serious consequences for the lives of hundreds of thousands of people."
