Photo of the Jogorku Kenesh. Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu at the oath in December 2025
Today, at a meeting of the parliament, the speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu, announced his resignation. During his time in this position, he distinguished himself through numerous initiatives, many of which sparked widespread public resonance.
24.kg summarizes his activities as the speaker of parliament.
Initiative to Change the National Flag
In 2023, Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu proposed one of the most controversial initiatives — to change the national flag. He explained his decision by stating that the current flag resembles a sunflower due to the curved rays of the sun.
This proposal received numerous negative responses from the public; however, it was supported by high-ranking officials such as President Sadyr Japarov and former head of the GKNB Kamchybek Tashiev.
In January 2024, the new flag was raised in Ala-Too Square, but the amount spent on its redesign remained unknown. The speaker of parliament stated that the expenses would be covered by sponsors.
A New Anthem for Kyrgyzstan
Not limiting himself to the flag, in 2024, Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu expressed the idea of the need to change the national anthem at an event dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region and the 140th anniversary of Imanaly Aydarbekov. He emphasized that the discussion of this issue should involve the broad public.
“Currently, we have an anthem adopted immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Kyrgyzstan is now an independent state, and our anthem should reflect this,” said the speaker.
Unfortunately, to date, a new anthem has not been adopted, as all proposed options were rejected by the deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh at the end of 2025. Nevertheless, work on a new anthem continues.
Change of Surname
In early 2025, Nurlanbek Shakiev changed his surname to Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu, explaining that it had been his long-standing dream.
“A nation, like a person, has a destiny. From time to time, it can change, and the glory of the people can be forgotten. In such moments, we must remember our national identity,” emphasized Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu.
Against Quotas for Women in Elections
At the end of 2024, during a parliamentary meeting, the speaker expressed his opinion on the equality of all citizens, suggesting a review of quotas for women in elections.
“Women demand equal rights, but in elections, they present themselves as the weaker side, demanding seats and quotas. This is a contradiction,” he said.
Support for the Kyrgyz Language
“Over the past 35 years, the Kyrgyz language has not received adequate development. This is a fact that we must acknowledge. In neighboring Kazakhstan, education from the first to the fourth grade is conducted only in the Kazakh language. We should follow this example,” stated the speaker.
He also insisted on banning the showing of cartoons in Russian and English to children, pointing out the lack of children's content in Kyrgyz.
Disconnection of Russian TV Channels
Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu proposed to stop broadcasting Russian TV channels in Kyrgyzstan, such as “Channel One” and “Russia.” He insisted on increasing children's content in Kyrgyz and argued that the republic should not finance the broadcasting of foreign channels.
“We should not finance foreign TV channels at the expense of the people. It is necessary to disconnect these channels and create conditions for local broadcasting,” he stated.
Preservation of Kyrgyz Names
In May 2023, the speaker raised the issue of the incorrect spelling of Kyrgyz names and surnames.
“For example, the patronymic Duyshenkulovich is often written as Duyshenkuovich. This is incorrect. We must respect Kyrgyz names and write them correctly,” he said.
He also expressed dissatisfaction that children in Kyrgyzstan are given Arabic names, emphasizing that this threatens the disappearance of the Kyrgyz language and names. “We have many beautiful Kyrgyz names: Bakyt, Talai, Elmurza, Ulukbek,” he stated.
Professional Career of Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu
From 2006 to 2009, Nurlanbek Shakiev worked in the team of former President Kurmanbek Bakiev, starting as a press secretary and then becoming an advisor on a voluntary basis a year before his overthrow.
In 2009, he headed the public television channel “ElTR,” but was dismissed after the change of power in 2010. From 2010 to 2011, he served as the Minister of Culture of Kyrgyzstan.
From 2017 to 2021, he worked as the general director of “Second Channel” (New TV).
In 2021, he was elected as a deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh of the VII convocation from the Aksy electoral district No. 17, and from 2022 to 2025, he held the position of speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh.
On November 30 of last year, he was elected as a deputy of the VIII convocation parliament from the multi-mandate electoral district No. 15. He was elected as speaker on December 17, 2025.
He holds the status of a state advisor of the first class in the civil service.
