Kyrgyzstan’s premier resigns after a year of activity
By Sara Rajabova
After a year of activity, Joomart Otorbaev, Kyrgyzstan’s prime minister announced his resignation even though lawmakers rated his activities for 2014 as satisfactory.
Otorbaev announced his decision after he made a report on the activity of the government for 2014 in a parliament session on April 23 , Kyrgyz media reported.
“I thank you for rating the government's work satisfactory. No monopoly of power can exist in a democratic country. Therefore, the branch of government should be shaken again. That is why I am declaring my resignation,” he said.
He added that his decision to resign will allow the majority coalition to choose a more decisive prime minister.
“I pursued the goal of the country's development and advancement. I thank the majority coalition for the support of the government,” Otorbaev said.
Immediately after, Otorbaev announced his resignation, Kyrgyz politicians and experts voiced the reasons of his decision.
Asylbek Jeenbekov, the speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh – Kyrgyz parliament explained that one of the main reasons for such a decision had to do with unresolved issues related to Kumtor gold mine.
In early April, Otorbaev threatened to resign if deputies were to insist on the nationalization of Kumtor or the establishment of a joint venture, 24.kg website reported.
He added that after the publication of the field development plan, the situation changed dramatically. He noted that the project to create a joint venture is not so beneficial for Kyrgyzstan, adding that the nationalization of Kumtor won't solve the problem. Otorbaev proposed to develop a new project on the field. However, he said that if MPs were to insist on the two mentioned options, he would be forced to resign.
However, political expert Mars Sariyev told Sputnik that the reason for Otorbaev’s resignation is neither the situation around Kumtor nor the government’s report, but the upcoming parliamentary elections, as certain party group does not need him.
"The technical manager of Western management style, which can really change something in the government, is not favorable right now," he said.
Sariyev added that currently, the protégés of the parliamentary faction "Ata Meken", which is also the party of now former prime minister, are leaving government. He explained that it is beneficial for faction’s leader Omurbek Tekebayev to be the opposition of the current government.
Otorbaev led the government since last April.
In line with the country’s constitution, Kyrgyz president may accept or not accept the Premier’s resignation. Should he approve the prime minister's move, the whole government would resign automatically.
--
Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @SaraRajabova
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz