• KGS/USD = 0.01149 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00190 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09150 0%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01149 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00190 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09150 0%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01149 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00190 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09150 0%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01149 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00190 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09150 0%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01149 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00190 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09150 0%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01149 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00190 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09150 0%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01149 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00190 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09150 0%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01149 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00190 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09150 0%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
10 January 2025

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 114

Low Revenues Cast Doubt on Kyrgyzstan’s Casino Legalization Efforts

After a decade-long prohibition, Kyrgyzstan legalized gambling - for foreigners - in 2022, anticipating a substantial boost to state revenues. Authorities projected billions of Kyrgyz Som (KGS) in revenue from casinos, betting shops, and slot machines. However, the actual contributions to the state budget have been far more modest, amounting to only a few hundred million KGS. According to official figures, Kyrgyzstan currently hosts three operating casinos. In their first year, these establishments paid KGS 97 million (approximately $1.1 million) in taxes and other budgetary contributions. By 2024, this figure is expected to rise to KGS 270 million ($3.1 million). While this reflects growth, it remains below the ambitious expectations set by the government. The underwhelming results have sparked criticism from legislators. Last year, members of parliament voiced dissatisfaction with the meager revenues. MP Sultanbay Aizhigitov expressed frustration, stating: "There is almost no benefit to the state from casino activity. It is a business controlled by five or six individuals, and it causes significant harm. The initiative has not justified itself. Do we need casinos at all? Perhaps it's better to shut them down." Recent data reveals that the majority of gambling revenue - KGS 258 million ($2.8 million) -came from casinos. Betting shops contributed KGS 11 million ($125,000), while slot machine operators added a mere KGS 1.8 million ($20,500). Notably, the 2022 legislation legalizing gambling in Kyrgyzstan stipulates that only foreign citizens may participate in such activities. Kyrgyz nationals caught gambling face fines, along with the casino hosting them. In an effort to boost revenues, the government has permitted casinos to operate in state-owned buildings and hotels with government stakes. Despite these measures, however, the financial benefits of gambling legalization remain a contentious issue, with critics questioning its overall value to the country.

Kyrgyzstan to Update National Anthem

The Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan, in collaboration with creative unions, is working on crafting a new national anthem. The announcement was made during a press conference in Bishkek by Melis Murataliyev, chairman of the National Commission on the State Language. An interdepartmental commission has been established to evaluate proposed versions of the anthem. “We have been tasked with conducting a linguistic examination of all selected variants to ensure they align with our culture, traditions, and worldview. We will assess whether the meaning of word combinations remains consistent when pronounced. Three versions will ultimately be submitted to the Jogorku Kenesh for approval, but not before undergoing rigorous linguistic review,” Murataliyev stated. Parliament Speaker Nurlanbek Shakiyev had first proposed changing the anthem several months ago. He noted that the current anthem was adopted during a challenging period following Kyrgyzstan’s independence. “Today, we are a stable and developing state. For this reason, the anthem should reflect our progress and be one that everyone can sing with pride,” Shakiyev said. He emphasized that the selection process should involve public participation, allowing citizens to contribute text and melody proposals. The contest criteria stipulate that the anthem should celebrate Kyrgyzstan, inspire its people, and encourage development and progress. President Sadyr Japarov has also expressed support for the initiative. He believes the current anthem has lost its relevance and sees no issue with updating it. “The anthem should be the work of creative individuals - composers and poets - and its development should involve public discussion. If the majority supports a new anthem, it would be a positive step forward. Imagine schoolchildren and Aksakals singing it together; that would be truly wonderful,” Japarov remarked. The new anthem is expected to be adopted by April next year.

Kazakh MP Zhanbyrshin Criticizes Air Astana

Kazakh MP Yedil Zhanbyrshin has voiced strong criticism of Air Astana, calling for more Kazakh-language content on its flights and denouncing the airline’s complex refund and compensation processes​. Zhanbyrshin directed his remarks at Air Astana CEO Peter Foster, emphasizing the need for the airline to prioritize the Kazakh language, particularly for flights operating within Kazakhstan. “We have repeatedly raised this issue, and it is time to bring the situation in line with the country’s laws. Onboard content is predominantly presented in another language, with Kazakh rarely used. Why is the state language not given priority?” the MP stressed. He further reminded the airline of its obligation to comply with national laws and uphold citizens’ rights. “Mr. Foster, when you first came to Parliament, you were asked only a couple of questions. Working here, you must protect the rights of Kazakhstanis, honor and respect the country’s laws, and create appropriate conditions. Don’t laugh! It’s not funny. You are sitting here, treating us as if we are not people. We are not aborigines in Africa [sic] who don’t understand anything. Don’t play with us, laughing in our faces. This is Parliament! We are representatives of the people, elected by the people,” Zhanbyrshin declared. Zhanbyrshin also criticized the airline’s refund policies, describing them as excessively convoluted. He recounted his personal experience of trying unsuccessfully for five months to secure compensation for a 12-hour flight delay. “It is almost impossible for an ordinary person to navigate the application process and find the necessary information on the website. This is a deliberately complicated process,” he said. He urged other airlines, including SCAT, to simplify their procedures. Zhanbyrshin’s comments follow another controversy involving Air Astana. In November, MP Irina Smirnova sued the airline after her flight was rescheduled at only seven hours' notice. Smirnova sought moral compensation of one tenge for the inconvenience but lost the case. She has since announced plans to appeal​.

Kyrgyzstan MP Proposes Legalization of Marijuana

At a recent session of the Jogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan's parliament, Kyrgyz MP Dastan Bekeshev proposed revising the country’s approach to drug policy. Bekeshev suggested distinguishing between the lesser and greater evils of drug use, advocating for the legalization of light natural substances, such as marijuana, while emphasizing the dangers of synthetic drugs​​​. Bekeshev argued that banning and destroying natural drugs only drives up their prices, pushing young people toward cheaper but far more harmful synthetic alternatives. He stressed that this approach exacerbates the drug problem rather than solving it. The idea of legalizing light drugs is not new for Bekeshev. In 2019, he proposed creating a designated zone at the former Manas airbase where the sale and use of light drugs would be permitted. Similarly, in 2017, former National Bank head Tolkunbek Abdygulov suggested that legalizing marijuana could help boost tourism in Kyrgyzstan​​. These proposals have sparked heated debates among Kyrgyz society and lawmakers, with opinions divided over balancing drug control with reducing the negative consequences of drug use. Regional Context The debate on legalizing light drugs is not unique to Kyrgyzstan. Across the Eurasia region, similar proposals have surfaced but have yet to gain official approval. In 2013, Russia called on CIS countries to adopt a joint statement opposing the legalization of light drugs, citing the potential risks of their spread. In 2023, Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev reiterated Moscow’s firm stance against legalization, blaming Western propaganda for negatively influencing youth​​. Belarus has also explored the idea of legalizing psychedelics and other light drugs. However, no official measures have been enacted, reflecting the prevailing opposition to drug legalization within the CIS. Bekeshev’s proposal continues to fuel conversations about whether Kyrgyzstan could break with the regional norm and take a different approach to drug policy. As the debate unfolds, questions remain about the potential economic and social impacts of such a move.

Uzbekistan Proposes 5-Day Paid Paternity Leave

Uzbekistan is taking steps to introduce new labor standards that support fathers and advance gender equality. A draft law submitted to parliament proposes granting men five days of paid leave within a month after the birth of their child. Deputy Nodir Tilavoldiyev stated that the proposal aligns with the country’s ongoing gender reforms. Currently, Uzbekistan’s labor laws do not include provisions for paternity leave, leaving many men to balance work and family responsibilities or rely on unpaid leave during this period. The draft law also seeks to enhance workplace protections by addressing discrimination, harassment, and violence. Employers would be empowered to transfer or dismiss employees found guilty of violence or abuse against colleagues. Additionally, the legislation focuses on supporting victims of domestic violence. It proposes including them in the list of socially vulnerable groups eligible for state-guaranteed employment assistance. These measures aim to foster a safer and more inclusive working environment for all. In neighboring Kazakhstan, fathers can already request unpaid leave upon the birth of a child, with some financial support provided through social payments.

Kazakhstan Considers Restrictions on AI Use by Students

Kazakh Member of Parliament Magerram Magerramov has proposed limiting the use of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools by schoolchildren. According to Magerramov, these technologies can complete school assignments, write essays, and summarize texts, which undermines students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. “We risk raising a generation that cannot make quick decisions in complex situations. This threatens the intellectual potential of the country,” the MP warned. Magerramov highlighted global efforts to regulate artificial intelligence as potential models. The European Parliament recently passed legislation to control AI usage, while Australia and some U.S. states have implemented age restrictions for social networks. “Digital technologies should foster development, not hinder it. Thoughtful regulation is essential,” he stated, urging limits on generative AI in schools to mitigate negative impacts. Globally, nations are grappling with the integration of AI in education. UNESCO has called on governments to train teachers in the responsible use of generative AI and issued guidelines for its application in schools. In China, strict internet censorship laws limit access to ChatGPT, effectively restricting its use in education. Meanwhile, Russia is exploring pedagogical, linguistic, and psychological frameworks for regulating AI in higher education. In Australia and parts of the U.S., age restrictions on social media may indirectly influence students’ access to AI tools.