Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Kyrgyzstan’s president Almazbek Atambayev signed a decree accepting the resignation of the country’s prime minister on April 24.

Joomart Otorbaev, Kyrgyz prime minister announced his resignation after he presented a report on the activity of the government for 2014 in a parliament session on April 23.

Otorbayev’s resignation was accepted in accordance with the Constitution. The decree entered into effect upon its signing.

Rumors about Otorbayev’s resignation have circulated since December 2014, but it was assumed that it would happen after May 8, the date scheduled for the signing of documents on joining the EEU.

The resignation of the prime minister has sparked wide discussions about possible candidates for the position.

Experts believe that First Deputy Prime Minister Taiyrbek Sarpashev, Economy Minister Temir Sariyev, and former Minister of Transport and Communications Kalykbek Sultanov are potential candidates for the post of prime minister.

Experts also named the former mayor of Bishkek, Isa Omurkulov, the head of the State Agency for Geology and Mineral Recourses Duishenbek Zilaliyev, and head of the Social Fund Muhammetkaly Abulgaziyev.

All depends on the decision of the majority coalition in parliament.

The government is now deemed resigned too.

Those holding the positions of prime minister, first vice prime minister, vice prime ministers, members of the government and heads of administrative departments will continue serving respectively until new government is formed.

Next week, the parliamentary coalition will begin to choose a candidate. It will have two weeks to make a decision.

Otorbaev led the government since last April.

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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