Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has pledged to intensify the country's fight against corruption, declaring that graft is "worse than murder" and warning that even his closest relatives would face punishment if found guilty.
Speaking during a session of the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament) on 11 March, Japarov said the government would continue its anti-corruption campaign regardless of political or personal ties.
“No one will be spared. Even if it is my own brother, I will not show mercy,” Japarov told parliamentarians. “A murderer kills one person, but a corrupt official destroys an entire state.”
He also urged members of parliament to report cases of corruption among government officials openly, promising protection for those who expose wrongdoing.
Corruption remains a significant challenge in Kyrgyzstan. According to the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, the country scored 26 points out of 100 and ranked 142nd out of 182 countries in 2025, reflecting relatively high perceived levels of public-sector corruption.
The index evaluates countries on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean), based on expert assessments and surveys of business leaders. Despite slight improvement in recent years, analysts say corruption remains one of the country’s key governance challenges.
Japarov’s remarks come amid a series of high-profile dismissals within Kyrgyzstan’s government and security structures.
In March 2026, the president dismissed Emergency Situations Minister Urmatbek Shamyrkanov following allegations of bribery shortly after his appointment.
Earlier, in February, Japarov removed Kamchybek Tashiev, one of the country’s most powerful officials, from his posts as head of the State Committee for National Security and deputy prime minister.
The move was followed by the dismissal or resignation of several officials considered close to him, including parliamentary speaker Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu.
The reshuffle marked one of the most significant political shifts in Kyrgyzstan’s leadership since Japarov came to power in 2020.
Addressing lawmakers, the president called for stronger cooperation between government institutions and parliament in tackling corruption.
Japarov said exposing illegal activity within state institutions would help strengthen public trust and improve governance.
“Do not be afraid to speak openly if you see corruption or theft within the authorities,” he told deputies. “I will stand on your side and protect you.”
Analysts note that the effectiveness of Kyrgyzstan’s anti-corruption campaign will depend on institutional reforms, transparency measures and consistent enforcement at all levels of government.
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