Photo of the Osh City Hall. Janar Akayev begins his duties as mayor of Osh
Political support for the new mayor
While social media users discuss Akayev's lack of experience, more seasoned politicians emphasize the importance of support from the authorities. Emilbek Kaptagaev highlights in his blog that the previous mayor was able to implement ambitious projects and make bold decisions thanks to strong backing. Kaptagaev questions whether Akayev will be able to secure similar support and what resources he will need for successful governance.
Mirzhan Balabaev, a media expert, also expresses the view that the support received by the previous mayor from his classmate, former head of the State National Security Committee Kamchybek Tashiev, played a key role in his successes. He wonders if Akayev can count on similar financial and political support.
Ibraim Nurakun uulu, former head of the press service of the Parliament, noted that Akayev has held leadership positions in the country for over 15 years and came to parliament with a record number of votes. He emphasizes that Akayev has evolved from a defender of freedom of speech to a lobbyist for social initiatives such as infrastructure and educational institutions.
According to Nurakun uulu, Akayev's appointment could mark the beginning of a new course aimed at "governing with reason," but he stresses that this appointment should not be perceived as a privilege, but rather as a serious examination.
Dependence on the center
Janar Akayev, according to political expert Tologon Keldibayev, is a prominent figure in politics, which indicates his ability to recognize responsibility. He notes that the success of a mayor in Kyrgyzstan depends not only on personal experience but also on support from the authorities and the team.
Keldibayev emphasizes Akayev's strong point—his ability to work with people and his knowledge of problems from the inside. He believes that with the right authority and support, Akayev can make a significant contribution to the city's development and strengthen his political status.
The expert also criticized the methods of Jenishbek Toktorbaev, calling them an unprecedented power grab that negatively affected the businesses of many entrepreneurs.
According to Keldibayev, last year, 6 billion soms were allocated from the republican budget for the development of Osh, which allowed for the implementation of important infrastructure projects. However, this year only 350 million soms are allocated, creating serious difficulties for the new mayor in finding resources for further development.
Potential threats
Osh is known for its charismatic mayors, such as Jenishbek Toktorbaev and Melis Myrzakmatov, who set high standards for their successors.
Entrepreneur Rysgul Akimzhanova believes that Myrzakmatov set a benchmark that every new mayor must now surpass, requiring them to constantly seek new ideas and efforts.
"Akayev will need immense strength and patience. On one hand, he will constantly be compared to his predecessors, and on the other, the authorities will demand results. Provocateurs may try to manipulate the situation, and saboteurs may set him up. In such conditions, it will be very difficult for him," she noted.
Thus, the future of Janar Akayev remains uncertain: will he become a successful mayor capable of developing the city, or will this appointment turn out to be the final stage in his political career, as has happened with many of his predecessors?
