#164: Cynicism

Kyrgyzstan is now under total control of the President. He has a parliament, where his party, Ak Jol, has 79% of seats (election results have still not been published). He changed the prime minister and majority of the cabinet. He changed the governors. He even had the Chairman (Head Justice) of the Supreme Court removed by the Parliament (legality and constitutionality of the decision is questionable.) He had the Baibolovs, a very influential (and wealthy) family in the opposition camp, quit politics for good. The police is arresting young activists, who are posting "I Don't Believe" signs around town.

On the other hand, let him have it. Before, he blamed the parliament, the opposition, the tekebaevs for all the bad things happening. Now that he has full control of the executive, the legislature, and the judicial system, it is only him be be held responsible when trouble hits Kyrgyzstan.

And trouble is expected. Inflations is running high. Over the New Year break, for instance, minimum charge for a taxi ride went from 75KGS to 100KGS (33% increase). Kyrgyz Som seems to be having problems. If not a crash of Som, but a dip in its value is expected.