Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary speaker steps down following 2025 re-election

Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu, Speaker of Kyrgyzstan’s Jogorku Kenesh (parliament), announced on February 12 that he is resigning from his position as toraga — the official title for the speaker and head of parliament.

Turgunbek uulu made the announcement during a plenary session of the legislature, Caliber.Az reports, referring to Kyrgyz media.

Despite stepping down as speaker, he will retain his seat as a member of parliament.

Explaining his decision, the now former toraga said it is connected to personnel changes being implemented by President Sadyr Japarov. He did not elaborate on any additional reasons.

“I have never worked for one or two individuals; I have always worked in the interests of the country and the Kyrgyz people. Throughout this time, I have contributed to ensuring that important and necessary decisions were adopted in the country. I will continue working as a deputy. We must learn to work without intrigue in order to preserve political stability,” Turgunbek uulu stated.

Turgunbek uulu has served as toraga since 2022. After early parliamentary elections in 2025, he was re-elected to the post of speaker.

According to several sources in parliament cited by local media, MP Marlen Mamataliyev has been nominated as a candidate to replace him. Preliminary information indicates that no alternative candidate is expected to be put forward.

By Tamilla Hasanova