«I am convinced that Jeenbekov was the worthiest presidential candidate in Kyrgyzstan, and today he confirms this by his wise rule,» ex-president of Kyrgyzstan Askar Akayev, who fled the country on March 24, 2005 after the first change of power, told Russian journalists.
In his opinion, it was obvious that Almazbek Atambayev staked on him (Sooronbai Jeenbekov), because he hoped to become the same «gray cardinal» like Bidzina Ivanishvili in Georgia and Vladimir Plahotniuc in Moldova.
He wanted to rule the republic through his puppet. But Jeenbekov turned out to be a fairly strong figure, did not succumb to pressure from Atambayev and his associates. It was very important for the development of democracy in Kyrgyzstan.
Askar Akayev
«Kyrgyzstan is a parliamentary republic, so the president’s main responsibilities are related to foreign policy and national security. And there is success. First, Jeenbekov was able to revive good relations with neighbors — Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, correcting the discomfort that he inherited from Atambayev. Secondly, he focuses on the development of relations with Russia in the field of economy, culture and defense. The country has become more actively involved in the CSTO, the air base in Kant is being strengthened. Thirdly, he began systematically fighting corruption. At first I thought that Jeenbekov could do this for the sake of strengthening personal power, but now there is no doubt that all this is done for the sake of strengthening the state. He believes that it is impossible to dynamically develop the economy without a victory over corruption,» he said.
The first president of Kyrgyzstan also told how the Bishkek’s Heating and Power Plant was repaired in the 1990s.
According to him, the most powerful Russian turbine generator was installed there and the entire heating system of the capital was renewed for only $ 100 million.
«The result of our work has warmed the residents of the city for 20 years,» said Askar Akayev.
Trial on the facts of corruption during the modernization of the Bishkek HPP starts in Bishkek. There are two prime ministers, several ministers, deputies, officials, and top managers of energy companies in the dock. According to the investigation, the defendants, having signed knowingly unprofitable contract with TBEA company, caused damage to the interests of the state of $ 111,252,797.
