Knyazev: Electricity, heating tariffs’ increase not to spark protests in Kyrgyzstan

“In my opinion, increase in electricity and heating tariffs will not spark massive protest in Kyrgyzstan,” Alexander Knyazev, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Director of the Regional Branch of CIS Countries Institute told the press conference at the news agency 24.kg on Monday.

“Population believes neither authorities nor opposition, while the last one is unable to lead the masses. It should, possibly, think of alternative economic programs which it can suggest the society. But at the time the opposition criticizes actions of the powers without new ideas,” Knyazev said.

Commenting an official version that the price for electric and heating energy is increased due to necessity of investments in new objects construction, he expressed doubt that it would save the situation. The doctor did not excluded that Kyrgyz side could face difficulties in obtaining credits from Russia or China.

“I know that the Russian credit for construction of Kambarata hydropower plant is closely connected with military presence of Russia in Kyrgyzstan,” he said. Knyazev believes, that negotiation process between Russia and Kyrgyzstan is dragged on because of Uzbekistan, which expressed its discontent with Kyrgyzstan’s intentions to construct new hydropower plants at the Naryn river and deploy new military object in Batken region of the republic.