At the parliamentary meeting on February 4, Deputy Kunduzbek Suleimanov commented on recent discussions regarding private driving schools. He noted that the speeches of his colleagues should not be considered populism.
“Our main task is to convey the opinions of citizens to the authorities. The executive bodies are obliged to respond to our appeals and take into account the dissatisfaction of the people. If our words are perceived as populist, it will become a big problem. I myself, having recently been in this field, also believe that ten months of driver training is too long. This is not only my opinion but the opinion of society,” emphasized Suleimanov.
He added that he had previously supported the executive power and noted the achievements that had been made during this time, as well as expressed the intention of the deputies to “correct the shortcomings in the work.”
After his speech, the Speaker of Parliament Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu continued the discussion, stating the importance of respectful relations between the branches of power. He also pointed out that sharp criticism of deputies does not contribute to the prestige of the parliament.
“Criticizing deputies is a path that benefits no one. A deputy represents the interests of the people and has the right to voice their problems and raise important issues. We support the executive power in all initiatives and adopt the necessary laws. In turn, the executive power should show respect for the parliament,” noted Toraga.
Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu added that the goal of all branches of power is to strengthen unity in the country and ensure the well-being of citizens. “I hope that the executive power will draw conclusions from the expressed opinions. The parliament should never be perceived as a formal institution. It has always occupied and will continue to occupy its rightful place in the system of power,” he emphasized.
The next day, President Sadyr Japarov critically commented on the deputies who opposed the new changes in the driver training system, urging them to “avoid populism.”
“When acute issues arise in society, some immediately seek to take the podium, trying to please the people and voters. It is important to understand that sometimes this can be inappropriate and even harmful to the state. We hear cries: ‘No! Make it 2-3 months!’ or ‘Leave everything as it is!’ and accusations against the government that it is allegedly ‘the enemy of the people.’ It creates the impression that some represent the people, while the state is its opponent,” noted the president.
He urged the deputies to thoroughly study the issues before discussing them. “As the saying goes, measure seven times, cut once. It is important to understand what real benefit a particular decision will bring,” he added.
Japarov also noted that if the government makes mistakes, no one should remain silent. “I myself was a deputy twice, but I never approached the microphone with populist statements. Therefore, I urge: when such issues arise, gather the people, discuss with representatives of the government and society, and then make statements,” concluded the president.
On January 28, at a joint meeting of the parliament, deputies Janarbek Akayev, Kubanychbek Kongantiev, Dastan Bekeshev, Kunduzbek Suleimanov, Bolot Ibragimov, and Ulukbek Karybek raised questions about innovations in the driver training system and criticized the actions of the Presidential Administration.
This year, the Presidential Administration approved a new procedure for issuing driver's licenses and training in driving schools in Kyrgyzstan, announcing that training will take place in state driving schools.
