December 15, 1990 is a date that seems lost in the stream of historical events. Meanwhile, as political scientists and experts note, on that day, 35 years ago, the foundation of modern Kyrgyzstan's statehood was laid.
Those directly involved in those fateful achievements recalled a very difficult period when economic ties in the USSR collapsed abruptly and tensions flared between fraternal republics. Factories and plants shut down, widespread privatization devastated industry and agriculture, tens of millions of people left jobless, and uncontrolled inflation left them without a livelihood. In 1990, the Soviet Union still existed legally, but in reality, the vast country was rapidly approaching the point of no return.
Under these very ambiguous circumstances, the Supreme Council of Kyrgyz SSR adopted declaration of state sovereignty on December 15, 1990. This document laid out a number of key principles. The people of Kyrgyzstan were recognized as the sole source of state authority. Commission consisting of politicians, scholars, and public figures was organized to prepare measures for economic and political independence. Foreign policy subjectivity was also established.
Political scientist Bakytbek Zhumagulov notes that Kyrgyzstan's first declaration of sovereignty fulfilled important historical mission, laying the foundations for building an independent state.
"First, it was constitutionally established that citizens of the republic of all nationalities constitute a single people of Kyrgyzstan, and it is they who are the sole source of state authority. This approach became the foundation of civic, rather than ethnic, model of government and formed the basis of all subsequent constitutions of the country.
Second, the supremacy of republican authority and law.
Declaration enshrined the primacy of Kyrgyzstan's laws and decisions within its territory. This became the starting point for the formation of independent legal system, the principle of separation of powers, and the accountability of state institutions to society.
Third, the institutional autonomy of the state. The document launched the process of creating its own governing and administrative bodies, economic and financial mechanisms, and personnel policies. It was this institutional framework that ensured the continuity of governance after the collapse of the USSR and prevented the collapse of the state system.
Fourth, the foundation of economic sovereignty.
Declaration enshrined the republic's right to independently manage its natural resources and formulate its own economic policy and budget. These provisions became the foundation for the transition to national economic system and financial independence," states Bakytbek Zhumagulov.
From that moment on, the formation of the institutions of power and governing bodies of independent sovereign state began. Five years ago, at state reception marking the 30th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan's independence, President Sadyr Zhaparov emphasized the events of 1990, when the foundations of modern statehood were laid. It's symbolic that this event also took place on December 15.
"I won't be mistaken if I say that the beginning of our quest: constitutional, political, and economic reforms began with the events of 1990. That same year, on December 15, the Supreme Council of the Kyrgyz Republic within the USSR solemnly adopted the historic document 'Declaration of State Sovereignty of Kyrgyz Republic,'" the head of the republic said.
He noted that Article 1 of the Declaration states: "Kyrgyz Republic is a sovereign state, established and developing on the basis of the Kyrgyz nation's exercise of its inalienable right to self-determination, the free choice of social and political system by all peoples of Kyrgyzstan, and expressing and protecting the interests of citizens of the republic of all nationalities."
President emphasized that these are like inscriptions carved in stone, confirming that the Kyrgyz people have declared to the international community their right and will freely choose their social and political system.
At the same time, Sadyr Zhaparov emphasized that over the past thirty years, the people of Kyrgyzstan have faced various challenges in trying to find optimal development model consistent with their national character. There were riots and civil unrest, which led to series of domestic political crises in the country, including tragedies impacted the country's development. However, Sadyr Zhaparov nevertheless acknowledged that the country's image and reputation had been preserved. And after series of upheavals and periods of turbulence have led to finding path to sustainable development, strengthening the country and its economic potential.
Today, major infrastructure projects are being implemented in the republic, and the economy has been steadily gaining momentum in recent years. As Sadyr Zhaparov stated five years ago: "New Kyrgyzstan must become a country of free citizens who are proud of their past, satisfied with their lives today, and optimistic about the future." These were plans back then; today, they are being realized.