Kyrgyz President Apologizes for Niece’s Helicopter Proposal
Kyrgyzstan's President, Sadyr Japarov, has issued an apology to the nation following a controversial incident involving his niece, Lazzat Nurkozhoeva.
Nurkozhoeva received a lavish marriage proposal in the Oruu-Sai gorge, where she arrived by helicopter, courtesy of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, with her future husband.
The extravagant proposal, showcased on social media, sparked widespread outrage among citizens. Many criticized the misuse of government resources, questioning if the Ministry’s helicopters were meant for such purposes. “Leaders’ relatives should set an example; not everyone can afford a helicopter ride. Is this why the Ministry of Emergency Situations bought helicopters? The President must curb wasteful spending,” commented social media users.
In response, President Japarov acknowledged the public’s concerns and called for restraint. “I have criticized others before, and now I find myself in a similar position. I apologize to the people for my niece’s actions. She is young and facing societal criticism. I hope she learns from this experience,” he told the Kabar agency.
He further clarified that the Ministry of Emergency Situations purchased new helicopters and permits their commercial use. This initiative aims to generate revenue for the state budget, allowing anyone to rent the helicopters, with all proceeds benefiting the nation.
