Deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh Dastan Bekeshev faced sharp criticism from Tengiz Bolturuk, the former head of "Kumtor Gold Company," who accused him of populism and ineffective use of parliamentary time.
Bolturuk expressed his thoughts through social media, noting that the discussion of his earnings distracts deputies from more important issues. He provided figures indicating that the maintenance of one deputy costs the budget 16.6 million soms per year, and one hour of parliament's work costs about $8,200.
“Is it really reasonable to spend $8,000 an hour discussing my salary?” — he posed a rhetorical question.
The former head of "Kumtor" also emphasized that his activities brought significant income to the country.
Additionally, Bolturuk made a number of accusations against Bekeshev, particularly mentioning possible lobbying for the interests of tobacco companies and criticizing him for the irrational expenditure of parliamentary time.
“Why aren't the palaces in Jalal-Abad, built with budget funds, being discussed? Why does the philharmonic in Jalal-Abad cost three times more than in Bishkek, but you are more concerned about my legal contract?” — he noted.
In conclusion to his statement, Bolturuk urged deputies to focus on solving pressing economic problems instead of discussing private incomes.
Recall that earlier Dastan Bekeshev stated that Bolturuk's salary of $55,000 is “excessive” for Kyrgyzstan. He also criticized the establishment of the holding "Legacy of Great Nomads," calling it an ineffective structure through which budget funds could have leaked.
