On the December 25, Development policy institute within the project for the media of Kyrgyzstan hold a regular press-session at the School of economic journalism. “What should be the status of the capital?” was the subject of the press-session.
There were representatives of the mayor office, the head of city finance department, Ernis Zarlykov, and deputy of JK KR, Ravshan Jeenbekov who took part in the press-session. Representatives of the mayor office believe that power should be extended locally, because limiting power, including Mayor’s power, creates obstacles for prompt solution of urban residents’ problems. There exists a whole procedure for applying to higher authorities which slows down the process of problem resolution in Bishkek.
Deputy Ravshan Jeenbekov believes that many problems faced by the Mayor can be solved. According to him, the mayor shall be elected by the citizens, and not to be appointed by governance. And there is nothing to do with the scope of the powers that at the disposal of the city governance.
At a press-session heated debate occurred between representatives of the Mayor Office and DPI expert. Journalists participating in the event received answers to their questions in the course of this discussion.