BISHKEK (Sputnik) – Kyrgyz Prime Minister Temir Sariev announced on Monday he would resign.
“Loud rumors are destroying the stability in society and as the prime minister I am resigning,” Sariev said during a Cabinet of Ministers meeting.
His departure signifies the resignation of the entire cabinet, which is expected to fulfill its duties until the formation of a new team.
Sariev explained his decision as directly linked to certain lawmakers "discrediting the government’s work, placing their personal interests above those of the public and state." He named the leader of the Kyrgyzstan Party, Kanatbek Isaev, among such lawmakers and accused him of provoking the cabinet resignation.
"I am ready to resign, but I will fight for my own name and for my credibility. I am asking for a fair and objective investigation," he stressed.
The cabinet scandal erupted following the publication of highway reconstruction procurement inspection results. The commission uncovered violations in the public tender won by a Chinese roads and bridges company.
Sariev was appointed in the previous parliamentary session in May 2015, and was reappointed to head the cabinet by the majority coalition after the October legislative vote.
