The appointment of Janarbek Akayev, a former member of the Parliament, as the mayor of Osh has sparked significant discussion in political circles. This individual, known for his charisma in both parliament and journalism, has become the subject of various opinions among experts. The main question that concerns the public is whether he, as a public politician, will be able to effectively manage the city. Does he have the ability to cope with the realities of tender procedures and outdated infrastructure, especially when his critical style may not be effective? Political scientist Asel Omurakunova expressed her concerns on this matter:
“It seems that Janar Akayev optimistically headed to Osh, believing he would figure things out as he goes. This appointment was unexpected for me, and here’s why:
First, his public activities, both as a journalist and a deputy, demonstrate that he is an emotional and impulsive person, prone to sharp reactions and sensitive to criticism. These qualities may enhance recognition in politics, but managing a city requires a completely different approach. The municipal sphere is a constant struggle of interests, budget constraints, pressure from the administration, and the need to conduct complex negotiations daily. In such conditions, excessive emotionality can become a serious risk rather than an advantage.
Second, the lack of experience in municipal and systemic management is another serious aspect. A city of republican significance is a complex organism: one must consider the budget, infrastructure, tender processes, and communal crises. Effective management requires not only political will but also a deep understanding of regulations, management logic, and discipline within the administration. Without this, the likelihood of mistakes increases, especially at the initial stage.
Third, it is important to consider the comparison factor. The new mayor will always be compared to the previous leader, who has already established himself as an effective manager and enjoyed a high level of trust among the population. This creates a challenging starting position for the new mayor, with inflated expectations and a critical atmosphere. Ordinary PR will not be enough here.
The essence is that managing a large city is not a place for political growth on the go. It is a field of high responsibility where the price of a mistake can be measured by the quality of life of hundreds of thousands of people.”
