The concept that state power is formed on the basis of trust and unity among citizens can become the foundation for a new social environment in Kyrgyzstan. Political scientist Bakyt Baketaev shared his opinion on this matter with the editorial team of VB.KG, commenting on the recent statements made by President Sadyr Japarov about "seven million friends," referring to all citizens of the country.
He believes that the words of the head of state can be perceived as a signal about the importance of trust and solidarity among people.
"The recent statement by the president that he lost one friend but gained seven or eight million friends among citizens is not just an emotional expression. There is a deeper meaning hidden in this statement, which can be viewed as a philosophical formula for interaction between power and the people," noted Baketaev.
In his opinion, when the president asserts that all citizens are his friends, it changes the atmosphere in society. Politics ceases to be merely a formal process and begins to be perceived as a space for human relationships. "At that moment, I realized that perhaps I too have become a friend of the president, just like every citizen of Kyrgyzstan," added the expert.
Baketaev emphasizes that such a formulation raises an important question about the interconnection of citizens with one another:
"The meaning here is very profound. If we are all friends of the president, then we should also be friends with each other. It is impossible to be a friend of one person and remain strangers to others. Thus, an important formula arises: the friendship of the state begins with the friendship among citizens," he added.
Reflecting on the significance of trust for social development, the expert refers to the ideas of well-known philosophers:
"Different thinkers in different eras have emphasized the power of unity. Aristotle said that 'friendship is a soul that dwells in two bodies.' The Japanese thinker Francis Fukuyama asserts that the prosperity of states begins with trustful relationships among people. Without trust, it is impossible to create a stable society.
That is why the president's words sound like a call for a new civic culture - a culture of trust," he noted.
According to Baketaev, for a small country like Kyrgyzstan, citizen solidarity can become a key factor for resilience.
"Today, the world faces numerous challenges. Conflicts, crises, and geopolitical confrontations create an atmosphere of instability. However, it is precisely in such difficult times that small countries can find their unique formula for resilience, based on the solidarity of people rather than on power or resources," he emphasizes.
Kyrgyzstan, being a small country on a global scale, can become strong if seven or eight million citizens feel themselves not just part of the population, but a community of like-minded individuals. This is a powerful energy capable of overcoming any difficulties.
The Japanese philosopher Kitaro Nishida emphasized that true unity is formed not when people are the same, but when they recognize their interconnectedness. This is where the wisdom of society lies.
The president's expression can be perceived as a symbol of the beginning of a new social atmosphere, where the state becomes the concern of millions, rather than a distant institution.
If we accept the idea that all citizens of Kyrgyzstan are friends of the president and of each other, it will create a new perspective for our country.
The greatness of states is not determined solely by economic or military indicators. It is formed by the spirit of the people.
Therefore, it can be said: if we are all friends, let us live in peace and harmony. Perhaps it is from this simple idea that a new history of Kyrgyzstan will emerge, where friendship will become the foundation of the future," concluded Baketaev.
