Zhyrgalbek Medetkanov appointed Deputy Minister of Construction

Zhyrgalbek Medetkanov has been appointed Deputy Minister of Construction, Architecture, Housing and Communal Services of Kyrgyzstan. The ministry announced the appointment.

The relevant order was signed by the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Adylbek Kasymaliev.

Medetkanov replaces Talantbek Imanakun uulu, who has been relieved of the post. The reasons for the personnel change were not specified.

Talantbek Imanakun uulu became known for a controversial statement regarding jailoos (high-mountain summer pastures). In November 2025, while commenting on concerns about urban renewal and increasing traffic congestion in Bishkek, he stated that the capital should grow vertically, and those wishing to breathe fresh air could simply move away.

«If you want to breathe fresh air and feel free, no one is holding you back—go to a village or a jailoo,» the official said in an interview.

Prior to this appointment, Zhyrgalbek Medetkanov headed the Department of Housing and Civil Construction under the Ministry of Construction. He was introduced to the staff as director on May 22, 2026.

Medetkanov has worked in the construction industry since 2008, having started his career as an engineer.