Week 24. The electricity deficit will be covered by imports, and what will happen to the Sports Palace » Gazeta.kg

In 2026, the government of Kyrgyzstan will continue to purchase electricity from neighboring countries. This was reported by Deputy Minister of Energy Altynbek Rysbekov. According to him, the country produces 14.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, while the deficit is 4.5 billion. In 2025, the republic imported 4.3 billion kilowatt-hours to ensure electricity supply to the population at social tariffs. To address the problem in the long term, the ministry is focusing on the development of renewable energy sources (RES). Rysbekov added that the construction of solar and wind power plants will take up to two years, which will allow for a rapid increase in production capacity.
Photo 24.kg. Swimming pool in the Sports Palace
Reconstruction of the Sports Palace has begun in Bishkek. The mayor of the capital, Aibek Junushaliev, reported that a working group has been formed to discuss the project concept, which aims to preserve the historical appearance of the building. The modernization will be carried out according to modern standards, similar to the "Zhashtyk Arena," and will take into account the requirements for multifunctionality. The swimming pool located in the complex will be preserved. After the work is completed, the Sports Palace will become comfortable and accessible for professional athletes and residents of the capital, the mayor noted.

Kyrgyzstan demonstrated an economic growth of 11.1 percent in 2025, reaching a volume of 1 trillion 976.4 billion soms. The National Statistical Committee noted an acceleration in the pace of development at the end of the year. The service sector continues to hold leading positions in the structure of the economy, accounting for almost 50 percent of GDP, while the share of commodity production increased to 35.4 percent. Industry made significant progress: the production of pharmaceuticals increased by 1.7 times, and the production of building materials and food products rose by more than 30 percent. At the same time, inflation was 9.4 percent, and tariffs for services to the population increased by 11.2 percent.
The incidence of ARVI and influenza increased by 28.8 percent over the week in Kyrgyzstan. Doctors recorded nearly 16,000 cases. The main risk group is children under 14 years old, who account for almost 77 percent of the total number of patients. 2,700 people were hospitalized. The most challenging epidemiological situation is observed in Bishkek, Osh, and the Chui region. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of influenza types A and B, as well as cases of COVID-19.
More than 8,000 traffic accidents occurred in Kyrgyzstan last year. The main causes of accidents were speeding, crossing into oncoming traffic, and driving under the influence.
The republic plans to grant more autonomy to 20 state hospitals, which will expand their powers in management and financial activities. This project is currently under discussion. Preliminary calculations show that the cost of paid services will increase by 35-50 percent; however, it will still be twice as cheap as private medical services. An analysis will be conducted at the end of the pilot period, and a report with conclusions and proposals for reforming the entire healthcare system is planned to be provided by April 1, 2027.

For other significant events and interesting materials, see the review “Week-24” on 24.kg.

Rising tariffs and food prices: disappointing results for Kyrgyzstan in 2025

Photo from the internet. Prices in Kyrgyzstan are expected to continue rising by 6-7 percent in 2026 In 2025, consumer prices in Kyrgyzstan rose by 9.4 percent compared to 2024. According to the National Statistical Committee, inflation for the first 11 months was 8.3 percent. The most significant price increases were observed in tariffs for services to the population — 11.2 percent; food and non-alcoholic beverages — 9.9 percent; alcoholic beverages and tobacco products — 8 percent; non-food goods — 7.8 percent.

The economy of Kyrgyzstan shows growth of 11.1 percent: results of 2025

According to preliminary estimates, the gross domestic product of Kyrgyzstan in 2025 amounted to 1 trillion 976.4 billion soms, which is 11.1 percent more than in 2024. Over 11 months, growth was 10.2 percent. This growth was driven by the commodity production sectors, the service sector, and net taxes on products. Key growth factors included an increase in pharmaceutical production (by 1.7 times) and a sharp rise in the production of rubber and plastic products and building materials (by 35.7 percent), wooden and paper products, as well as in printing (by 30.5 percent).

Protection on paper: why protective orders do not save victims of domestic violence

Photo 24.kg. In the first 11 months of 2025, law enforcement agencies issued 15,821 protective orders against individuals who committed domestic violence Domestic violence remains one of the most pressing issues in Kyrgyzstan. High-profile crimes periodically shock the public, and statistics continue to rise. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 19,995 cases of domestic violence were registered in the first 11 months of 2025, which is 27.5 percent more than in 2024. During this period, 519 criminal cases were initiated, of which 328 were sent to court. The crimes included 31 murders, 35 cases of causing serious harm to health, 28 instances of torture, and the same number of rapes.

Without wires and without answers: why Bishkek lost its trolleybuses

Despite the complete disappearance of the trolleybus infrastructure, residents of the capital and civic activists continue to reminisce about the most environmentally friendly and spacious public transport. They organized an event dedicated to the 75th anniversary of trolleybuses and the development of electric transport, as part of the launch of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport. Activist of the initiative group #BishkekSmog, Bermet Borubaeva, and other participants are trying to understand why city authorities abandoned the familiar system of convenient transport, replacing it with untested electric buses in our conditions. However, they have not received clear answers.

Teacher shortage in Kyrgyzstan: schools are empty, parents are looking for tutors

Photo from the internet. The Trade Union Institute of Labor conducted a study showing that only 5.5 percent of applicants want to become teachers According to the Ministry of Education, as of December 2025, there is a shortage of 761 teachers in Kyrgyzstan's schools. The highest number of vacancies is observed in general educational institutions in the Chui and Batken regions, as well as in Bishkek. The reasons why staff do not stay in schools and the measures taken by the authorities remain relevant questions.

What is the value of the Kyrgyz national football team at the beginning of 2026: without millionaires

At the beginning of the 2026 season, the total transfer value of the Kyrgyz national football team is 7 million 630 thousand euros. This data is provided by the Transfermarkt portal. Last year, the national team was valued higher — at 8 million 25 thousand euros.

Nasirdin Isanov: the life and mystery of the death of the first Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan

Photo from a personal archive. Nasirdin Isanov
Nasirdin Isanov holds an important place in the modern history of Kyrgyzstan. He was the first Prime Minister of the independent republic and one of the most principled statesmen of his time. His life was vibrant but tragically short. Isanov's death in November 1991 remains one of the most mysterious pages of Kyrgyz politics. Since then, generations of politicians have changed, many decisions from the early 90s have been revised, the state has regained control over Kumtor, but the question: "What really happened on November 29, 1991, on the Jalal-Abad — Osh road?" still remains unanswered. The politician's son, Almaz Isanov, shared memories of his father with 24.kg.

Venezuela, Iran, Greenland: goals without brakes. Western media on Trump's course

The capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by American special forces, "Napoleonic plans" regarding Greenland, loud promises of support for protesters in Iran by the US armed forces, and then a sharp turn and withdrawal of those words — this is how the 47th president, Donald Trump, began 2026. Leading Western media, analyzing these ambiguous steps of the administration, note: Trump has returned foreign policy to a state of "shock and ultimatum." We analyzed global media and prepared a review of reports on the policy of the leader of the United States for you.

Writing at dawn and living the fates of heroes. Shaksanem Murray on her creativity

Photo from the interviewee's archive. Shaksanem Murray Shaksanem Murray is a Kyrgyz-British writer. She was born and raised in Bishkek and is a philologist by education, having graduated from the Romano-Germanic faculty of the Kyrgyz National University. In September 2001, she moved to Scotland and now lives in Edinburgh. In an interview with 24.kg, she shared her creative journey.

The symptom of Syimyk Japykeev: audacity or mediocrity?

“A bold position,” “said what many think but do not dare to voice publicly” — this is how the majority of the Kyrgyz segment of social networks reacts to the statements of Syimyk Japykeev, who stated in Ernist Kyazov's podcast that Chingiz Aitmatov is “five kopecks,” “does not inspire,” “does not give hidayat.” Condemnation can be directed at everyone and everything, and in this respect, there is formally nothing forbidden in criticizing the work of Chingiz Aitmatov. However, the problem lies not in the permissibility or impermissibility of such judgments, but in the fact that it is much deeper.

Unusual clouds in Naryn and foggy Bishkek: photos and videos from 24.kg readers

The "Moments of Life" section was created with the help of authors — readers of 24.kg, who love to explore Kyrgyzstan, take photos, and shoot videos. In this issue, we will see how Bishkek is shrouded in fog at the beginning of January, admire the snowy suburbs of the capital, unusual clouds in Naryn, and reach the picturesque Murdash gorge in the south of the republic.

From Marvel superheroes to Turkish dramas: what to watch next week

In the last week of the month (January 26 - February 1), many new series are expected. In the coming days, viewers can look forward to premieres in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the return of the aristocratic Bridgertons, brutal British thrillers, and long-awaited continuations of popular hits.