Critics of the Kyrgyz government, accusing it of authoritarianism and despotism, are clearly mistaken. The primary task of the leadership is to prevent any unrest and instability in the country. They strive to respond to public sentiments, listening to the opinions of citizens and considering manifestations of discontent.
What are the threats of destabilization? These can be deliberate provocations from interested parties, as well as accidental mistakes made "with good intentions" but ignoring the actual state of affairs. Ultimately, the responsibility falls on the shoulders of the top officials.
It is unlikely that anyone needs to create a situation of chaos again, yet this is exactly what is happening with the replacement of driver's licenses. The situation could have worsened if the process had not been brought under control by the authorities.
This has happened more than once.
At the end of November and the beginning of December 2023, mass protests by market workers took place in the republic against the introduction of cash register machines (CRM). The protesters claimed that the use of such machines jeopardizes their financial situation, while officials argued that opponents of CRM seek to hide their real incomes and evade taxes. Traders complained that the state puts them in difficult conditions, forcing them to buy expensive devices.
In response, President Sadyr Japarov created a special commission to analyze the situation. He personally visited the largest market, "Dordoy," to negotiate with traders and draw conclusions.
The head of the State National Security Committee, Kamchybek Tashiev, also responded to the protests, noting that market owners are wealthy individuals making significant profits, while tenants face high rental rates and insufficient working conditions. The general urged owners to reduce rental fees by at least half and provide small businesses with free CRM.
He also warned provocateurs inciting the public to protests against transferring economic issues into the political sphere, and small entrepreneurs against succumbing to such provocations.
The problem was resolved.
Just as it was done with the issue of power outages — it was enough to reduce public tension by prohibiting energy companies from continuing regular outages. From July to October 2025, power systematically went out in the suburbs of Bishkek. Officials warned of possible worsening conditions in the winter period, which caused concern among citizens.
"Winter outages are unacceptable," emphasized Deputy Prime Minister Kamchybek Tashiev at the opening of a new administrative building of the Naryn District Electric Network Enterprise, hinting at the need to focus on solving problems instead of creating panic.
The situation with the replacement of driver's licenses also showed that unnecessary hype can be avoided. It is important to think through all steps in advance to avoid creating difficulties for people who have to stand in line for medical certificates and spend time in auto service centers.
When a truly professional and people-oriented government makes decisions, it turns out that mandatory replacement of licenses can be avoided if they are indefinite and there is no need to drive abroad. The replacement becomes a voluntary matter.
People calmed down, and the hype subsided. The question arises: why couldn't the rules be clarified in advance and explanations provided before discontent began? Perhaps because, just like in the fight against corruption, the authorities face difficulties in educating responsible officials who genuinely care about the well-being of citizens. Unfortunately, this remains a task only for the top leadership.
In the summer of 2023, Kamchybek Tashiev was able to change the situation with fuel prices in one meeting, pointing out that the price of diesel at gas stations was clearly inflated and urging oil traders to follow social policies.
In November 2025, the chairman of the State National Security Committee also expressed dissatisfaction regarding the rise in food prices, particularly for meat. "I saw this myself and heard it from people at the markets. Local authorities are negligent in not controlling prices. Now they will bear personal responsibility for price changes in their regions," he said, emphasizing the need for control.
Changing the entrenched bureaucratic system is a complex and lengthy task, but the country's leadership will manage it. Sadyr Japarov and Kamchybek Tashiev continue to keep their finger on the pulse of public life, understanding that peace and stability in society and overall socio-political security depend on this.
