One of the main concerns is: "If Sadyr Japarov and Kamchybek Tashiev do not find common ground, it may lead to a split between the north and the south." Is such a development realistic?
- Hello! I am convinced that there will be no division between the north and the south. Politicians often use such splits for their own interests, manipulating ordinary people.
Since gaining independence, the country has constantly faced attempts at division. I first felt this in 2005 when I began my political career. At that time, there was equal representation from the north and the south in the government, and in some ministries, the same principle was maintained.
It was very painful to observe.
I promised myself: "If I am destined to become president, I will try to heal this ailment of Kyrgyzstan."
Since 2021, as you may have noticed, such divisions are gradually disappearing. For example, we conducted a rotation among the akims and heads of the judicial system, the prosecutor's office, the GKNB, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
All akims and judges were replaced. There are no akims from southern regions in the south; all are appointed from the north. The same situation exists in the north — all akims are from southern regions.
The same situation is observed among judges. The results of this work are already visible — the level of division has significantly decreased. If it is the will of the Almighty, we will reach the level of the айыл окмоту. Without this, situations occur where the head of the айыл окмоту distributes all resources in favor of their relatives in their native village.
For example, tenders are often won by their relatives, and irrigated lands are given to people from the close circle of the head of the айыл окмоту, and there are many such cases.
We will gradually eradicate this, although it will take time. Housing issues also need to be addressed.
If you are interested in what other measures can help eliminate the division between the north and the south, I am ready to talk about it.
2-3 years ago, we opened the "Akyiman" school, where the best children from the northern and southern regions study in a boarding school format in Cholpon-Ata.
Now similar schools are being built across the country, and in 2-3 years there will be 7-8 of them.
Our children study together, without division by regions. For example, in Cholpon-Ata, students from all regions study, and the same will happen in Osh — knowledge will be accessible to all.
Graduates of these schools, and then universities, will be able to directly enter the civil service. Last year, I initiated a law that has already come into effect.
I made this decision to ensure that graduates of "Akyiman" do not remain unemployed, even if I leave my position.
We are investing in the education of talented children who will work in government positions in 5-6 years and become future personnel who do not divide Kyrgyzstan.
In February last year, I initiated another important matter. Gathering the head of government and ministers, I instructed to build student dormitories in regional centers and to conduct a rotation of students studying on a budget quota starting from September 1, 2026.
The country provides 10,000 budget places for applicants — 5,000 for southern and 5,000 for northern applicants.
Students from the north will study in the south, and those from the south will study in the north. I initiated the construction of dormitories in seven regions, but the work could not be completed on time, so the project has been postponed to September next year.
After the SCO summit and the World Nomad Games, we will begin construction.
Starting from September next year, students studying on a budget quota will begin their studies under the rotation system. This will help eliminate the "north-south" problem in the future.
Among the 5,000 students from the north, there will be those who will start families, leading to an exchange of mentalities and cultures. Similar changes will occur among students from the south studying in the north.
Thus, in 20-30 years, the "north-south" problem will disappear. If we do not apply such methods, it will not be possible to eradicate this ailment.
Therefore, I appeal to the people. Do not allow yourselves to become instruments of politicians. It does not matter whether the president is from the north or the south. The main thing is that he works honestly and effectively. As Deng Xiaoping said: "It doesn't matter if it's a black cat or a white cat, as long as it catches mice." The president should be fair and work for everyone.
Across the country, without dividing into regions, the same work is being done. Facilities are being built, roads are being asphalted, and social buildings are being erected. Every citizen should remember that all this is financed by the state and the people.
- Recently, it has been noticeable that deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh continue to divide into groups. In a previous interview, you mentioned that this was the reason for your friend's resignation. How do you comment on this?
- I have already said: all divisions are initiated by politicians. Ordinary people become victims of these manipulations. Politicians use people as tools to gain power, and the people gain nothing from this. Even the table will not become bigger, and an extra piece of bread will not appear.
In the chaos, ordinary people suffer. Have you ever seen anyone from a politician's family suffer in the last 30 years?
Do not make a tragedy out of the provocative words of politicians.
I intend to eradicate the "north-south" problem. It just takes time.
Let me tell you another case. After I became president, I visited Batken for the first time and met with local residents.
One of them told me that there was no minister from Batken in the government. I replied: "Okay, I will appoint one minister from Batken. But will there be twice as much food on your table?" - "No," he replied. And I said: "Then from today, I will be your minister and deputy, and I will not divide regions, but treat everyone equally."
I continue to fulfill my promise. Houses are being built in Batken under the GIK program, stadiums, roads, and schools are being constructed.
I am trying to attract investors to build factories and plants in Batken. Of course, there are shortcomings — this is unavoidable. We are not magicians to fix everything in one year.
I inherited a country mired in problems. In some areas, assistance reaches less, and we know this. We monitor how much money is spent on each region, and if we cannot do it this year, we will complete it next year.
- Some politicians, elders, and activists are calling for reconciliation between Sadyr Japarov and Kamchybek Tashiev for the future of the country. In a previous interview, you said that "we will remain friends." Do you still hold this position?
- Yes, I remain of the same opinion. I prefer to resolve contentious issues calmly, without conflicts. We will remain friends, but this person will not hold a government position. Let my friend rest and take care of his health.
Let him free himself from the circle of so-called "elders and koksakals."
The investigative authorities will clarify all the circumstances. He may be dissatisfied now, but in years to come, he will say: "Friend, you did the right thing then."
- There are rumors in society that you have started to dismiss ministers and people close to your friend. Is this true? Are you really initiating their resignations?
- I have not told anyone to leave their positions. I said not to interfere in politics, and everyone should perform their duties.
If someone leaves voluntarily — we do not hold them back. But there will be an inspection for corruption in all ministries. If facts are established, those responsible will be held accountable.
"I have always warned: do not hire close relatives, friends, and fellow countrymen. Those who think that their uncle or brother will cover for them start stealing without fear."
If facts of corruption are established, everyone will be held accountable, regardless of their position.
Thank God, I did not allow those close to me to hold high government positions. I have never involved them in politics.
When I first came to power, I was criticized for having relatives in power. I removed them from their positions, even though they had been there before I arrived. I said: "Understand, I am being criticized, temporarily leave your positions," - and I removed them.
- If there really were 75 politicians, and if their plans were realized, whether it be early elections or a coup, how would you see today?
- There will be no coup. First, the laws do not allow it, and second, there are no conditions for it.
The country should be governed not by force, but by intellect. There is a saying: "The strong will defeat one, the strong with knowledge will defeat a thousand."
Those who do not know how to read the laws look for such paths. Where is Bakiev now, who ruled by force? And Atambayev, who also ruled by force, where is he?
We must learn from the mistakes of the past. I work 24 hours a day, controlling everything. If something wrong happens, I immediately give instructions to the relevant ministers and akims to correct the situation.
"I have been working for five years with one goal — to remain on the clean pages of history and not leave grounds for reproach. Of course, there are shortcomings, but we manage to ensure control at the level of 70-80%."
- There are also rumors that "Kamchybek Tashiev has left, and now the fight against organized crime and corruption will stop." How do you comment on this?
- First of all, we do not have organized crime now, and there will be none. Of course, crimes occur, but no one can completely eradicate them. Where there are people, there is everything.
But the groups that used to collect "marks" in the markets no longer exist.
Now they are either in prisons or hiding abroad. If criminals think they can return to Kyrgyzstan, they are mistaken.
Kyrgyzstan now is a different Kyrgyzstan. The authorities after 2020 do not compromise with crime. Therefore, there will be no organized crime anymore.
The fight against corruption will never stop. This will continue forever. There is no country in the world that can say it has completely eradicated corruption.
There is no need to engage in PR and claim that we have no corruption. It will always exist in various forms. We are making efforts to reduce it.
Dealing with crime was relatively simple — we brought order in one day. But completely defeating corruption over the past five years has not been possible. If God allows, we will try to reduce its level in the future.
We have enough strength and intellect for this. I instructed the law enforcement agencies: "In the fight against crime and corruption, you have a green light, work calmly and professionally."
- Last question: after your friend's departure from office, have you met?
If a meeting took place, what did you talk about?
- Yes, we met. I received him yesterday. I said: "Rest, friend, take care of your health, live peacefully."
According to my friend, he did not communicate with the so-called "elders" or "koksakals."
This indicates that they acted independently, without informing him. As they say, they did him a "disservice."
We will bring order. Thank God, we have enough strength for this.
Interviewed by the director of KNA "Kabar" Mederbek Shermetaliev
