Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov says he plans to revise the country's national anthem to adequately represent the "evolving" identity of the nation.
Japarov said in an interview with the Kabar news outlet on October 30 that he believes the current anthem, adopted 33 years ago, fails to inspire patriotism and unity, and does not reinforce the spirit of contemporary Kyrgyz society.
SEE ALSO: Kyrgyz President Signs Bill Amending National Flag"The current anthem was written shortly after we gained independence. We need a new anthem that embodies our rich history and the strong nation we are becoming," he stated.
The initiative follows Japarov's controversial 2023 changes to the national flag. Lawmakers had contended that the previous design resembled a sunflower -- kunkarama in Kyrgyz, a term that also means "dependent."
It also highlights Japarov's populist approach to governance, which often focuses on rallying public sentiment through national symbols.
Critics, including opposition political figure Adakhan Madumarov, have raised concerns over the necessity of such changes, suggesting they may serve to distract from pressing social and economic issues.
"We need leaders who are committed to strengthening our national identity. Our history is rich, and we must honor it through our symbols," Japarov said in defending the move.