Kyrgyzstan News Online — Latest Events in Bishkek and the Regions | MTS.kg
Politics

The European Union Strengthens Its Role in Central Asia. Visit of the European Parliament and Signals to Kyrgyzstan

As part of a working visit to Kyrgyzstan, the delegation of the European Parliament for Relations with Central Asia and Mongolia (DCAS), led by Giuseppina Princi, held several meetings with local authorities and students. Important aspects of cooperation were discussed with the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, including issues of inter-parliamentary interaction, human rights protection, and freedom of speech. Kaktus.media posed a series of questions to Giuseppina Princi regarding the

20.02.2026, 17:39
"GKNB Officially Rejects 'Mask Show'"
Politics

"GKNB Officially Rejects 'Mask Show'"

Public arrests and PR actions in the fight against crime and corruption are coming to an end in Kyrgyzstan. This was announced by the new leader of the GKNB, Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov, in an interview with VB.KG.

20.02.2026, 17:35
Shabdanbekov: From now on, there will be no untouchables in the GKNB
Politics

Shabdanbekov: From now on, there will be no untouchables in the GKNB

Photo GKNB. Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov The new chairman of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB), Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov, stated in an interview with local media that there will no longer be any untouchables in government structures, including the GKNB. Anyone found guilty of unlawful actions will face legal consequences. He commented on the recent arrests, noting that those who committed violations have already been dismissed and removed from the national security staff. The public

20.02.2026, 17:17
Politics

A capsule was laid at Issyk-Kul for the construction of the special financial territory "Tamchy"

Today, February 20, a capsule was laid in the Issyk-Kul region, marking the beginning of the construction of the special financial and investment territory (SFIT) "Tamchy." This event was attended by Adylbek Kasymaliev, who is the head of the Cabinet, as reported by the government press service. Kasymaliev characterized this project as a key step towards the economic progress of the country. The territory being created is envisioned as an international financial center that will

20.02.2026, 15:20
In Kyrgyzstan, labor protection legislation is being improved
Politics

In Kyrgyzstan, labor protection legislation is being improved

Parliamentary hearings were held in the Jogorku Kenesh, organized by the Committee on Labor, Health, Women’s Affairs, and Social Issues, dedicated to the draft law "On Labor Protection." This information was reported by the press service of the legislative body.

20.02.2026, 14:28
Politics

Zhanarbek Akayev promised to complete the projects started in Osh

The newly elected mayor of Osh, Janarbek Akayev, confirmed that all ongoing projects will be completed. He expressed his intentions in a conversation with journalists, summarizing his first day in office. Akayev reported that he managed to review nearly ten problematic sites and areas where work had previously been carried out, some of which have dragged on for months.

20.02.2026, 14:14
Politics

Will the new mayor of Osh demolish buildings? Answer from Janarbek Akayev

Zhanarbek Akaev, the new mayor of the city of Osh, expressed his opinion regarding the disputes related to the possible demolition of illegal and temporary structures in the city. In response to questions from media representatives, he emphasized that the activities of the mayor's office will be focused on creation, but complete exclusion of demolitions is not possible.

20.02.2026, 13:31
Uzbekistan Begins Selection of Its First National Cosmonaut
Politics

Uzbekistan Begins Selection of Its First National Cosmonaut

In Uzbekistan, the process of selecting candidates for the first space flight is starting. According to local media, the agency "Uzbekcosmos" has already studied the global experience in astronaut training and research conducted on the International Space Station (ISS). As a result of a meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a decision was made to create a special state commission that will be responsible for finding potential astronauts and organizing the flight.

20.02.2026, 12:11
Politics

New Edition of the Labor Protection Law: What Will Change?

In the Jogorku Kenesh, hearings are taking place today on the new edition of the Law "On Labor Protection." The reason for developing the new document was the entry into force of the new Labor Code on January 23, 2025, which excluded 29 articles related to workplace safety. In this regard, the Cabinet of Ministers initiated the creation of a separate law to improve the protection of citizens' rights. According to the explanatory note, the proposed draft law aims to create an

20.02.2026, 11:08
Politics

Occupational Safety in Prisons: Eight Accidents Recorded Last Year

In Kyrgyzstan, the total number of convicted individuals exceeds 5,000, and only 30% of them are employed. However, according to Cholponkul Madirov, Deputy Director of the Labor Legislation Control and Supervision Service, the state intends to increase this percentage to 100. He announced these plans at a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh, where the new edition of the Law on Labor Protection was discussed. In this regard, the service is actively informing about labor protection rules and working

20.02.2026, 11:05
The Cabinet spoke about Shirshov's role in meetings with "RusHydro"
Politics

The Cabinet spoke about Shirshov's role in meetings with "RusHydro"

It all comes down to pragmatism and expertise, the government assured. The participation of Alexey Shirshov, former finance director of OJSC "Severelektro" and former chairman of OJSC "TNK Dastan", in working meetings with the Russian Minister of Energy Sergey Tsivilev and representatives of "RusHydro" is of great importance. It is driven by the pragmatic interests of the state and the need for expert support in complex negotiations.

20.02.2026, 10:30
Amangeldiev explained Shirshov's role in the negotiations regarding the Upper Naryn Cascade
Politics

Amangeldiev explained Shirshov's role in the negotiations regarding the Upper Naryn Cascade

On February 16, a delegation from Kyrgyzstan, led by First Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev, traveled to Russia for working meetings. Discussions were held in Moscow with Sergey Tsivilev, the Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation, regarding cooperation in the energy sector. The negotiations also involved the Minister of Energy of Kyrgyzstan Talaybek Ibraev, Alexey Shirshov, and representatives of PJSC "RusHydro".

20.02.2026, 10:29
Training jumps with Mi-17 were conducted at the Ala-Too training center
Politics

Training jumps with Mi-17 were conducted at the Ala-Too training center

Yesterday, training jumps for parachutists took place at the "Ala-Too" training center. This information was provided by the Ministry of Defense of Kyrgyzstan. More than fifty servicemen participated in these training jumps. Although for most it was a planned exercise, the training conditions were close to combat: waiting in full gear, thorough equipment checks, and strict time limits for groups. On the ground, there were also duty instructors, medical personnel, and an insurance

20.02.2026, 09:36
The new mayor of Osh, Janar Akaev: between budget deficit and the shadow of his predecessor
Politics

The new mayor of Osh, Janar Akaev: between budget deficit and the shadow of his predecessor

The appointment of Janar Akayev as the mayor of Osh came as a surprise to observers of the political situation in Kyrgyzstan. Akayev has a reputation as a political figure, but lacks experience in managing urban affairs, which is a multi-layered and complex system. Nevertheless, he possesses the necessary skills of flexibility, and he will likely have enough time to adapt to his new responsibilities. Photo of the Osh City Hall. Janar Akayev begins his duties as mayor of Osh

19.02.2026, 19:37
Two New Vice Mayors Appointed in the City of Osh
Politics

Two New Vice Mayors Appointed in the City of Osh

There has been a change in the leadership at the Osh mayor's office: the new first deputy mayor is Shumkarbek Paiziev. This appointment was approved by Janarbek Akayev, who recently took office as the mayor of the city. Photo of the Osh mayor's office Paiziev previously headed the capital construction department, where he managed significant infrastructure projects since the end of 2022. There has also been a change in the position of head of the apparatus: Masuda Aydarbekova, who

19.02.2026, 19:36
The Cabinet has outlined priorities in the field of culture and youth policy
Politics

The Cabinet has outlined priorities in the field of culture and youth policy

Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, outlined the key directions of state policy in the field of culture and youth policy. This took place at a meeting of the board of the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy. He emphasized that culture plays a crucial role in shaping national identity and contributes to social consolidation.

19.02.2026, 18:58
Politics

Zhanar Akayev - Mayor of Osh, and he was also a press secretary and journalist. Remembering his story

On February 18, it became known about the appointment of Janar Akayev as the mayor of Osh. This decision was made by the President of Kyrgyzstan, and he succeeded Jenishbek Toktorbaev, who resigned. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev and former mayor Toktorbaev, despite rumors of his possible resignation. Kaktus.media invites us to recall the career of Janar Akayev, who has been involved in politics for over ten years in various government structures.

19.02.2026, 18:28
The Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Fuel and Energy Complex of the Jogorku Kenesh has changed.
Politics

The Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Fuel and Energy Complex of the Jogorku Kenesh has changed.

At the meeting held on February 19, the deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh elected a new deputy chairman of the committee responsible for industrial policy, transport, the fuel and energy complex, architecture, and construction. This position was assigned to Baktyyar Kalpaev, whose candidacy was supported by 60 parliamentarians, while 2 voted against. Photo of the Jogorku Kenesh. Baktyyar Kalpaev

19.02.2026, 16:53
Politics

Former South Korean President Sentenced to Life in Prison for Rebellion Case

The Central District Court of Seoul has issued a ruling in the case concerning the organization of a coup against Yoon Suk-yeol, the former president of South Korea. This was reported by the "Renhap" agency. Although the prosecution sought the death penalty, the court ultimately sentenced the former president to life imprisonment.

19.02.2026, 16:44
Bolot Ibragimov became the Vice-Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh.
Politics

Bolot Ibragimov became the Vice-Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh.

At the meeting held on February 19, the deputies elected Bolot Ibragimov to the position of Vice-Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh. Ibragimov's candidacy was proposed by the "Mekenchil" parliamentary group, which he joined after previously not belonging to any group.

19.02.2026, 16:32
Elvira Surabaldiyeva became the chairperson of the Housing Committee
Politics

Elvira Surabaldiyeva became the chairperson of the Housing Committee

At the meeting held on February 19, the deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh elected Elvira Surabaldiyeva as the chairperson of the committee on international affairs, defense, security, and migration. 69 parliamentarians voted in favor of Surabaldiyeva's election, while one deputy voted against.

19.02.2026, 14:59
Another Vice Mayor of the city of Osh has resigned
Politics

Another Vice Mayor of the city of Osh has resigned

Changes in the personnel composition continue at the Osh city hall. Mirlan Kazybay uulu, who holds the position of deputy mayor, has decided to leave his post of his own accord. This was reported by the municipality's press service. Photo from the internet According to the information, he submitted his resignation voluntarily. Mirlan Kazybay uulu has served as vice-mayor since December 2, 2025.

19.02.2026, 14:57
In the Osha City Hall, the third deputy mayor has resigned in a day
Politics

In the Osha City Hall, the third deputy mayor has resigned in a day

Personnel changes in the Osh City Hall continue against the backdrop of the appointment of a new mayor. It has been reported that Sonunbek Junusbaev, who held the position of the third deputy mayor, has resigned voluntarily. This information was confirmed by the press service of the city hall. Photo from the internet Sonunbek Junusbaev had been in his position since September 6, 2021.

19.02.2026, 14:48
Politics

Three Deputy Mayors of Osh Resign

Today, February 19, the press service of the Osh mayor's office announced the resignation of the first deputy Adilet Sharshenaly uulu and the deputies of the mayor Sonunbek Junusbaev and Mirlan Kazybay uulu. All of them resigned voluntarily. This move came shortly after it became known that the mayor of Osh, Jenishbek Toktorbaev, had left his position. We remind you that he was succeeded by former MP Janar Akayev.

19.02.2026, 14:30
Politics

The Central Election Commission of the Kyrgyz Republic prematurely stripped Deputy Nurlanbek Turgunbek Uulu of his mandate

Today, at a meeting of the Central Election Commission of Kyrgyzstan, a unanimous decision was made to prematurely revoke the mandate of deputy Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu. It is noteworthy that Nurlanbek himself announced earlier that day his intention to resign. He participated in the parliamentary elections held on November 30, 2025, in multi-mandate district No. 15.

19.02.2026, 14:27
Politics

In the USA, requirements for the issuance and renewal of driver's licenses (CDL) are being tightened. Commentary from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

New strict rules regarding the issuance and renewal of Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) have been introduced in the USA. This information comes from the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic. According to clarifications provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the right to obtain or renew a CDL is generally retained by the following categories of individuals:

19.02.2026, 14:16
Marlen Mamataliyev: There Will Be No Division of "Insiders" and "Outsiders" in Parliament
Politics

Marlen Mamataliyev: There Will Be No Division of "Insiders" and "Outsiders" in Parliament

Photo from the internet Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh Marlen Mamataliyev spoke out against the division of deputies based on regional or any other criteria. He emphasized the importance of unity in parliament. According to him, this position was also voiced by the president, who called for consolidation and objectivity in the work of the legislative body. Mamataliyev noted that after his appointment as speaker, he instructed the parliament's apparatus to ensure equal treatment of all

19.02.2026, 14:15