Japarov Reveals Plans for Tashiev’s Presidency, Then Reconsiders

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov revealed in an August 13 interview that he had planned for his former ally and security chief Kamshubek Tashiev to take over the presidency after his term. However, Japarov abandoned the idea after concluding that Tashiev was not ready for the role. The president’s comments shed light on internal dynamics within Kyrgyzstan’s political leadership, coinciding with legal developments in the high-profile 'Letter of 75' case. ## Tashiev’s Rise and Fall Tashiev, who served as head of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS), was dismissed in February, a move Japarov justified as necessary to prevent divisions in society and government. At the time, Tashiev denied ambitions to become president, stating that only death could separate him from Japarov. However, Japarov’s recent remarks contradict this narrative, suggesting he had indeed intended to hand over power to Tashiev. According to Japarov, he advised Tashiev to prepare his team and cleanse his circle, but Tashiev failed to do so. The president noted that Tashiev’s staff had become too powerful, leading to divisions in parliament and prompting his dismissal. ## Legal and Political Fallout The 'Letter of 75' case, in which Tashiev and others were found guilty of a coup attempt but received lenient sentences, remains a contentious issue. The Prosecutor General’s Office has appealed the verdict, seeking harsher punishments and the overturning of acquittals on abuse of office charges. Meanwhile, Japarov confirmed his intention to seek a second term in the 2027 presidential elections, citing the need to complete his reforms. He emphasized that the elections would be transparent and open to all competitors, though legal restrictions bar individuals with criminal records from running for office. ## Constitutional and Electoral Context Earlier this year, calls for an early presidential election emerged, but the Constitutional Court ruled that the vote could not be held early. Japarov recently signed a bill adjusting the election schedule, moving the vote from January 24 to January 27, 2027. The political landscape remains volatile, with Japarov’s decision to seek re-election and the legal challenges faced by Tashiev shaping the future of Kyrgyzstan’s leadership.