BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan —? Kyrgyz politicians will attempt to form a new government within two weeks after its ruling coalition collapsed under the strain of a deepening economic crisis and corruption allegations against the prime minister.
President Almazbek Atambayev will try to unite the squabbling politicians after dissolving the government Friday, two days after the withdrawal of two parties cost the coalition its majority in parliament.
Falling output at the Kumtor gold mine, the flagship asset of Canadian miner Centerra Gold, contributed to a 5 percentage point contraction in the economy in the first seven months of this year.
Two of the four parties withdrew in protest of the shrinking economy and purported corruption, leaving Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov's Respublika party and the Social-Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan without the majority to form a government.
By law, Atambayev has three days to appoint a party to form a new coalition, which in turn has 15 days to complete its task. Babanov and his Cabinet will continue in an acting capacity pending the formation of a new government.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.