Acting Chairman of the SCNS became Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov, and three Deputy Chairmen also resigned.
As it became known from those close to Tashiev, he learned about his resignation while undergoing treatment in Germany.
Sadyr Japarov emphasized through his press secretary that this decision is aimed at preventing a split in society and strengthening unity.
What could Tashiev's resignation mean and how will events unfold further, Kaktus.media investigated with experts.
Bakytbek Jumagulov, Director of the Eurasian Strategic Studies Center, Political Scientist
- The dismissal of Kamchybek Tashiev cannot be viewed as a routine personnel rotation. This event has systemic significance, as in recent years governance in the country has been based on a "dual support" model - political and power centers working together.Now this structure has changed, which signifies a transition to a new phase where all political responsibility is concentrated in one center.In the short term, this may lead to greater manageability, reducing internal contradictions and competition. However, in the medium term, risks increase, as societal criticism will be directed straight at the top.
The second important line is the influence on the elites. Such events often trigger a redistribution of expectations among the elites: some will show loyalty, some will wait, and some will seek new opportunities.
This does not necessarily lead to an immediate crisis, but movement will begin in the elite environment, which will be noticeable in personnel decisions and media behavior.
The third line is public perception. Society may interpret these changes differently: one part may see it as a strengthening of power, while another may view it as a sign of internal instability before the elections. Which explanation becomes dominant depends on the authorities' ability to offer clear solutions in the socio-economic sphere.
Finally, the elections. Against the backdrop of the presidential campaign, the resignation of such a figure significantly increases the importance of one factor: whether the authorities can maintain unity within the apparatus and control over everyday societal issues such as prices, transportation, and bureaucracy. It is precisely these "minor" issues that often become catalysts for political processes in Kyrgyzstan.
Thus, the main question is not about emotional assessments or rumors. What matters is whether the system can quickly restore stability and maintain elite unity before the elections.
Felix Kulov, Former Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic
The statement about Tashiev was expected; however, it will not lead to confrontation, as this is not beneficial for Tashiev himself. He acted correctly by calling for stability and the absence of upheavals.There will not be divisions in the south, as some suggest. The situation there is calm; I have communicated with representatives from various regions, and everything is fine.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs is currently considering appeals from 75 public and political figures. Everyone is trying to understand what goals they were pursuing: whether they wanted to destabilize the situation or had other intentions. I believe the situation will soon become clear.
In my opinion, these people were simply set up. I will not name them, as they are already known. They were likely trying to frame Tashiev for early elections.
However, I emphasize that early elections would require the president to resign. I have always opposed this, citing the Constitution, which does not foresee a legal collision on this issue.
An appeal to the Constitutional Court will put an end to this matter.
The Constitutional Law "On Elections" states that regular elections will take place on the last Sunday of January, when the term of the current president expires, who has the right to continue running.
No one has approached me with a letter, as they know my position on early elections.
Stability in the state is more important than personal interests, and intrigues are unacceptable in the current situation.As for Tashiev, he is unlikely to participate in the elections, although this cannot be completely ruled out. At the moment, he has no "trump cards."
Mavlyan Askarbekov, Leader of the "Erken El" Party
- Tashiev's resignation was expected in some circles due to the upcoming presidential elections. This can be seen as a cleansing of the political field.I call for a review of the approach to elections and the creation of equal conditions for all candidates.
I anticipate that we are in for a dismantling of the system built by Tashiev. Resignations of officials at the local level and departures of deputies from the Jogorku Kenesh are expected.Presidential elections may take place this year, but it is important to consider the mistakes of the past. Maximally transparent elections will help smooth the situation.
Almaz Tajibay, Political Scientist
- The dismissal at such a level indicates the development of the state in a historical context, as political tandems are essentially short-lived, and a five-year term is a good term.The nature of tandems is that they are necessary at certain moments to solve urgent tasks. And in this case, it worked out.
However, the question arises: did Tashiev not know what was happening? Did he not have his own person? And if he did not know, it calls into question his professional qualities in the position.
There must have been discontent with his actions in the fight against corruption among the ruling clans. Perhaps he was also subjected to external pressure in the context of sanctions, which is important for external partners.
Or someone was trying to limit his independence, especially after the purchase of "Bayraktars."
As for future events, there may be a political thaw in the area of civil and political rights, freedom of speech, and peaceful assembly. In the current situation, Western donors are reluctant to cooperate. Political prisoners may be rehabilitated, and their sentences may be canceled.
If this does not happen, one can expect a strengthening of the presidential vertical of power and tighter unilateral control by the president.
The elections will show what situation will develop in the country.
Arkadiy Dubnov, Political Scientist
“It is clear that the ruling tandem has exhausted itself and can no longer ensure stability,” Dubnov noted in his post on Facebook. “On the other hand, it is obvious that it could not exist forever, and, as an informed source in Bishkek noted, ‘it’s a miracle that the tandem lasted five years.’ Indeed, this is hard to dispute, considering that the excessive ambitions of the head of the SCNS made him ‘the number one man’ in the eyes of many Kyrgyz people. He distinguished himself in resolving the border dispute with Tajikistan and ordered the execution of the notorious criminal Kamchy Kolbaev, as well as renamed Jalal-Abad to Manas in honor of the heroic character of the Kyrgyz epic.How will the now former second person in Kyrgyzstan respond to the first's decision to remove him? Will he return from Germany? Will he want to participate in the presidential elections scheduled for January 24, 2027? Will he face pressure upon his return? They say there are no former Chekists...
Emil Juraev, Political Scientist
- Tashiev's resignation was predictable with the approach of the presidential elections. The question of "when?" hung in the air, along with discussions about the presidential term and its powers, which became the critical moment. The tandem functioned informally, based on friendship and agreements, having fulfilled its mission.Tashiev remained subordinate to Sadyr Japarov, despite their friendly relations. But there were talks in society about Tashiev's potential participation in the presidential elections.
Now he should take a pause, just as he himself did, expressing dissatisfaction with the situation, especially considering that everything happened while he was in Germany for preventive treatment.
