In Kyrgyzstan, officials will be sent to local councils to address complaints on the ground

Starting May 11, a series of outreach meetings between government officials and the public will begin in Kyrgyzstan—in every aiyl okmotu. President Sadyr Japarov announced this on his Facebook page, effectively declaring a large-scale review of local government operations.

The impetus for this was the head of state’s recent trip to the Osh region. In his assessment, about 80% of the issues raised by citizens should be resolved at the district and regional levels, and only one-fifth require central government intervention—in the form of funding for major projects such as schools, roads, and water supply systems.

Now, at the president’s instruction, plenipotentiary representatives in the regions, as well as employees of the prosecutor’s office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and other agencies, will visit every aiyl okmotu to review residents’ complaints on site. The meetings will take place in May–June and will be broadcast live on regional TV channels UTRK and ElTR, as well as on social media. The President intends to monitor them personally whenever possible.

In the fall—October–November—the same venues will serve as the site for a “follow-up review.” Officials will be required to report on which of the issues raised have been resolved.

The key message to local leaders is that shifting responsibility to the central government will no longer be an option.

“If the problems raised in the spring are not resolved by the fall—please don’t take offense,” President Sadyr Zhaparov stated, directly pointing to possible personnel consequences. According to him, governors and other leaders will be held accountable in such a case.

The president emphasized that appointment to a position implies not merely a formal fulfillment of duties, but actual work on the ground.

“We appoint you, counting on your professionalism, organizational skills, and willingness to serve the people and develop the regions. If this trust is not justified, appropriate measures will be taken. This is not only my demand, but also that of society,” Zhaparov stated.

The head of state also urged citizens to actively participate in such meetings, bring their documents, and seek resolutions.