Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has called on politicians, public figures, journalists, bloggers and other influential citizens to avoid turning disagreements into hostility, warning that divisive rhetoric could threaten social unity. Speaking at the first session of parliament after its summer recess on 9 September, Japarov said Kyrgyzstan must learn from past political confrontations and instability.
Japarov said disagreements over land, language, the economy, social issues, history, culture and regional matters were a normal part of public life. However, he warned against using such issues to divide society or gain political advantage.
He specifically urged MPs, officials, experts, community leaders, journalists and bloggers to consider the impact of their words. According to Japarov, people with large online audiences should use their influence to support the country’s development rather than deliberately inflame sensitive issues. He also criticised the uncontrolled spread of information on the internet and what he called “populist and demagogic” rhetoric.
At the same time, Japarov encouraged citizens to report corruption and other negative developments when they had evidence. He said authorities would take strict action against those involved in corruption and against individuals who, in his view, mislead the public or harm the country’s development.
The president’s remarks come after several contentious debates in Kyrgyzstan in recent months. One involved the so-called “Letter of 75,” signed by MPs, former officials and other prominent figures who called for presidential elections to be held in 2026 rather than 2027 and raised concerns about various problems in the country. The debate was followed by Japarov’s dismissal of National Security Committee chief Kamchybek Tashiyev and his subsequent conviction in a criminal case over an alleged coup plot, which he denies.
Other disputes have centred on proposed changes to the Land Code, fears over foreign ownership of land, the growing number of foreign workers and concerns about Chinese workers in Bishkek. Language policy has also become contentious after scholars proposed changes to the Kyrgyz Cyrillic alphabet in July 2026, prompting debate over a possible future transition to Latin script. The presidential administration said the proposal was not government policy.
Japarov also highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s hosting of major international events and the country’s high economic growth, saying these developments had strengthened its international profile and increased foreign confidence. Against this backdrop, his appeal suggests that the authorities intend to place greater emphasis on political and social stability while insisting that public criticism and debate remain within the law.
