At the parliamentary meeting on February 4, Deputy Kunduzbek Suleimanov expressed the opinion that the discussion among deputies regarding private driving schools should not be viewed as populism. According to him, the main task of parliamentarians is to convey the people's opinions to the authorities.
“It is necessary for the executive power to take our words and the citizens' dissatisfaction into account. If our statements are perceived as populism, it will create problems. I myself, working in this field, have come to the conclusion that ten months of driving training is excessive. This is not a personal opinion, but the opinion of the people,” Suleimanov noted.
The deputy also added that in the past he supported the executive power, and during that time significant successes were achieved. However, now the deputies intend to correct the existing shortcomings in the work.
Parliament Speaker Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu, continuing the discussion, emphasized the importance of respectful relations between the branches of power, noting that sharp criticism from deputies does not contribute to the prestige of parliament.
“Criticizing deputies is not the most productive approach. A deputy represents the interests of the people and has the right to voice their problems and raise important issues. We support the executive power in its initiatives and are ready to adopt the necessary legislative proposals. At the same time, the executive power must show respect for parliament,” Turağa stated.
Turgunbek uulu also noted that all branches of power should strive for unity and the well-being of the people. “I am confident that the executive power will draw conclusions from the expressed opinions. Parliament cannot be regarded as a formal institution without a voice. It has always occupied and will continue to occupy an important place in the state system,” he added.
The next day, President Sadyr Japarov condemned the criticism from deputies regarding the new changes in the driver training system, urging them to avoid populism.
“When society begins to discuss pressing issues, some deputies rush to the microphone to please the people. It is important to understand whether this is beneficial for the state. In response to government criticism, accusations arise, creating the impression that some represent the people while others are its enemies,” the president said.
He urged deputies to thoroughly study the issues they bring up for discussion. “It is important to understand what real benefit a particular decision will bring. If the government makes a mistake, that is not a reason to remain silent. I myself have been a deputy twice and have never behaved in a populist manner,” Japarov added.
The president also called for organizing open discussions between representatives of the government and society before making public statements.
During the joint parliamentary session on January 28, deputies Janarbek Akayev, Kubanychbek Kongantiev, Dastan Bekeshev, Kunduzbek Suleimanov, Bolot Ibragimov, and Ulukbek Karybek raised questions about the new changes in the driver training system and criticized the actions of the Presidential Administration.
Since the beginning of this year, the Presidential Administration has approved a new procedure for issuing driver's licenses and training in driving schools in Kyrgyzstan, announcing that citizens will be trained in state driving schools.
