The opposition to President Bakiyev is growing more and more vocal it would seem.
He originally came to power after the previous president was effectively thrown out following similar protests a couple of years ago. However, since that time, people have been complaining that little has changed in some important areas of life in Kyrgyzstan. Corruption appears to have continued unabated, and the democratic reforms promised have been slow in coming to fruition, and in some cases even reversed.
Why am I posting this news on a blog nominally about my life in Kazakhstan? Because leaders of the countries in this region have often cited political instability as the reason for the need of a strong pair of hands at the realm.
[edit] Corrected spelling, I originally invented a new President – Nakiyev ;>
April 12th, 2007 4:39 pm
I hate to quibble… and by that, I mean I love to quibble… but I think you mean “President Bakiyev” above.
Also, there’s no question of the relevance of the political climate in Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan. It’s very relevant. Regional stability is a big issue.
Economics is just a bigger issue, that’s all. Much bigger.
April 12th, 2007 5:52 pm
Yep, you’re right on the spelling, I need more space between the letters on this keyboard ;>
Many friends back in the UK won’t make the connection between Kyrgyzstan and other countries in this region in case they were wondering why it was being mentioned…
My wife loves your article on driving, from a while ago, btw, just mailed her and told her you’d begun posting again, and looks like she’d missed some of the older ones.