The criticism directed at the leadership of Kyrgyzstan for authoritarian methods is not entirely justified. The main focus of their domestic policy is to prevent the destabilization of the situation in the country. To this end, they actively listen to the voice of the people and try to respond to their grievances.
What can provoke destabilization? It can be both deliberate provocations by those interested in chaos and accidental mistakes, sometimes made with good intentions but without regard for the real situation. Ultimately, it is the "first" who have to deal with the consequences.
Creating chaos in the country is clearly not beneficial for anyone; however, a similar situation arose with the replacement of driver's licenses. More precisely, it almost happened. If the replacement process (especially its unprofessional execution) had been left to its own devices, the consequences could have been unpredictable. But fortunately, higher authorities intervened.
Similar situations have occurred before.
At the end of November and the beginning of December 2023, a wave of protests swept across the country from market workers who opposed the introduction of cash register machines (CRM). Tensions arose between traders and representatives of the Ministry of Economy and tax authorities in Bishkek, Osh, and Talas. Officials claimed that only those who did not want to show their real incomes and pay taxes were protesting against CRM. Traders complained that the state was ruining ordinary people by forcing them to purchase expensive machines and complicating life for those who were already struggling to make ends meet.
In response to the situation, President Sadyr Japarov created a special commission to analyze the conflict and ascertain the truth of both sides. He even visited the largest market, "Dordoi," to communicate with workers and draw conclusions.
The chairman of the State National Security Committee, Kamchybek Tashiev, also responded to the protests, sharing his opinion that market owners are wealthy individuals who make huge profits. According to him, tenants pay them significant amounts, while normal working conditions are not created in most markets. The general called for a reduction in rent by at least half and for small entrepreneurs to be provided with free CRM.
Kamchybek Tashiev also warned provocateurs who incite protests and acts of disobedience against allowing socio-economic issues to transition into the political sphere and advised small entrepreneurs not to succumb to such provocations.
The problem was resolved.
Similarly, the issue of electricity outages can be easily resolved. It is enough to simply prohibit energy workers from testing the patience of the people with constant outages that began in July-August and continued until October 2025. Officials did not tire of frightening: in winter, they said, there would be no light at all. Kyrgyzstanis were worried and recalled the advice of Kurmanbek Salievich to switch to alternative energy sources.
"In winter, electricity outages are unacceptable," Kamchybek Tashiev stated at the opening of the administrative building of the Naryn District Electric Network Enterprise. He hinted that instead of creating panic, it is better to focus on specific actions that will lead to stability and light in homes.
Similarly, the issue with the replacement of driver's licenses and the hype surrounding it was resolved. This confirms the simple truth: before implementing something new, it is necessary to think everything through carefully and prepare. So that ordinary people do not have to spend time on medical certificates and stand in long lines at family medicine centers among sick patients. So that they do not have to drop everything and sit for hours in auto registration centers.
When the authorities start to truly work for the benefit of the people, it turns out that it is possible to do without the mandatory 83rd form. The replacement of licenses is not mandatory if they are indefinite and if a person has no plans to drive abroad. All of this is an entirely voluntary process.
The people calmed down. The hype subsided. The question is, why couldn't the rules be clarified and explanations provided in advance, before people began to express discontent? Perhaps because, just as with the fight against corruption, it is equally difficult for Kyrgyz authorities to form responsible and competent officials who genuinely care about how to ease the lives of citizens. So far, unfortunately, this is only being done by those at the very top.
In the summer of 2023, Kamchybek Tashiev resolved the issue of pricing in the fuel market with one simple meeting, stating that diesel prices were inflated and recommending oil traders to follow social policies.
In November 2025, the chairman of the State National Security Committee also expressed dissatisfaction with the rise in food prices, especially for meat. "I saw this myself and heard it from people at the markets. Local authorities are negligent in not controlling food prices. Now you will bear personal responsibility for the rise in prices at your markets and for failing to comply with government resolutions. There will be no excuses."
Changing a decades-old bureaucratic system is a challenging task and requires time. But the country's top leadership will manage. Sadyr Japarov and Kamchybek Tashiev, metaphorically speaking, keep their finger on the pulse of the people's lives, their needs, and aspirations. They understand that this depends on peace and tranquility in society, as well as public and political security.
