Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) — The Zhogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan parliament, held a major session addressing two pressing national issues: the use of the Kyrgyz state language and the growing threat of cybercrime.
Speaker Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu and other lawmakers debated draft laws aimed at strengthening the role of the Kyrgyz language in public service and creating stronger protections against digital fraud.
Kyrgyzstan Parliament Speaker Urges Lawmakers to Prioritize Kyrgyz Language
During the session, Speaker Turgunbek uulu called the state of the Kyrgyz language “dire” and demanded urgent legislative measures to preserve it.
“Each of us, since we live and work in Kyrgyzstan, must know the Kyrgyz language — there is no alternative,” he said.
He criticized past approaches as overly populist and short-sighted. The Speaker also cited global examples where native languages are protected from early education levels. He warned that:
“If the language disappears, the nation disappears, the state disappears.”
Kyrgyzstan Parliament: New Draft Law Requires Language Proficiency for Officials
Lawmakers reviewed the draft constitutional law titled “On Amendments to Some Constitutional Legislative Acts of the Kyrgyz Republic Regarding the Use of the State Language.”
If passed, the law would make Kyrgyz language proficiency mandatory for individuals seeking key government positions, including:
- Members of Parliament
- Cabinet Ministers
- Judges, Prosecutors, and Investigators
- Heads of Executive Agencies
- Employees of the National Bank
Applicants must meet language levels defined by the Cabinet of Ministers.
Kyrgyzstan Parliament: Concerns Over Minority Representation
Some MPs raised concerns about limiting participation in public office. Lawmaker Kozhokulova warned that these restrictions could reduce ethnic diversity in the parliament.
“There is not a single Russian left in the Parliament,” she noted.
“We live in a multinational country. Limiting access based on language proficiency could harm representation.”
She emphasized the need for multilingualism and called for inclusive reforms that reflect Kyrgyzstan’s cultural diversity.
Language Commission Backs Gradual Integration
Melis Murataliev, Chairman of the National Commission for the State Language and Language Policy, supported the language requirements. He argued that the state is creating favorable conditions for ethnic minorities to learn Kyrgyz.
“In the future, the requirement to know the state language will become normal. It will not be a problem for candidates for high office to learn it,” he said.
Parliament Also Tackles Growing Cybercrime Threat
In a parallel session, lawmakers discussed another urgent issue — the rapid rise in cybercrimes in Kyrgyzstan.
MP Meder Aliyev presented a draft resolution titled “On Measures to Combat Fraudulent Crimes in the Banking and Internet Spheres.”
Key Proposals in Anti-Cybercrime Resolution
The draft resolution outlines the following actions:
- Develop modern methods to fight cyber and banking fraud
- Strengthen legal responsibility for IT-related crimes
- Analyze trends in banking-related crimes
- Improve legal and organizational frameworks
- Enhance data protection standards
- Coordinate efforts between government, law enforcement, and private sectors
Cybercrime Statistics Highlight Urgency
In 2024, Kyrgyz authorities initiated 1,658 criminal cases related to IT and cybercrime. However, only 796 cases were solved, underscoring the urgent need for better tools and legal instruments.
National Security and Digital Protection at Stake
Aliyev emphasized that remote crimes, especially those involving digital banking and online fraud, are becoming more sophisticated.
“Our legislation must evolve to match the speed of technological change,” he said.
The proposed resolution complements planned amendments to the Criminal Code of Kyrgyzstan to address digital threats more effectively.
Conclusion: Balancing Tradition and Innovation
As Kyrgyzstan moves forward, its parliament is focusing on two pillars of national identity and stability — the Kyrgyz language and cybersecurity. Lawmakers are tasked with finding a balance between cultural preservation and technological advancement, ensuring that no citizen is left behind.
Kyrgyzstan parliament- Zhogorku Kenesh
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