New Prime Minister Confirmed in Office

Azim Isabekov’s spell as prime minister was short-lived, but his replacement may be in and out even more quickly. Isabekov resigned on March 29, the day after his decision to sack five ministers was vetoed by President Kurmanbek Bakiev. In a bid to keep the opposition at bay, Bakiev nominated the moderate opposition leader Almazbek Atambaev as prime minister, and parliament confirmed the appointment the following day. However, neither Atambaev’s Movement for Reforms nor the United Front for a Worthy Future for Kyrgyzstan is willing to enter a coalition government led by the new prime minister, and insist they will go ahead with a joint rally scheduled for 9-11 April.