The appointment of Janarbek Akayev, a former deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh, as the mayor of Osh has become one of the most discussed events in political circles in recent days. Akayev's personality, known for his active parliamentary work and journalistic experience, evokes mixed feelings among experts. The main question is whether this public politician can prove himself as an effective manager. Is he capable, accustomed to criticism, of handling the realities of tender processes and outdated utility networks? Political scientist Asel Omurakova shared her thoughts on this matter on her social media page:
“It seems that Janar Akayev went to Osh with the thought of ‘I'll figure it out as I go.’ I admit, his appointment came as a surprise to me. Here’s why:
First of all, his working style, shaped by journalism and his role as a deputy, seems too emotional and impulsive. In public politics, this can be a plus, but in municipal management, such a manner of conducting affairs can lead to serious risks. Managing a city involves constant conflicts, budget constraints, and the need to conduct complex negotiations, where excessive emotionality is inappropriate.
Secondly, Akayev lacks experience in local government. A city of republican significance is a complex system that requires knowledge of budgeting, infrastructure, and tender procedures. It is important not only to have political will but also to understand regulations and management discipline. Without this, the likelihood of mistakes increases, especially at the start of his tenure.
Thirdly, it is important to consider the comparison with the previous mayor, who managed to establish himself as an effective manager and earned the trust of the public. Akayev will have to start with high expectations and a certain skepticism, which creates challenging conditions for his start. Good PR alone is not enough here.
Ultimately, this is not about personal likes or dislikes. Managing a large city is not an opportunity for ‘growing up on the go.’ It is a high degree of responsibility, where each mistake can negatively impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.”
