"In light of the crisis and the height of spring fieldwork, the Jogorku Kenesh [Kyrgyz parliament] should consider the appointment of a new government and the approval of its program in an optimally short time… The government faces many challenges that require prompt decisions today," Atambayev said.
Sariev explained his resignation as directly linked to certain lawmakers "discrediting the government’s work, placing their personal interests above those of the public and state," and vowed to clear his name.
The cabinet scandal erupted following the publication of highway reconstruction procurement inspection results. The commission uncovered violations in the public tender won by a Chinese roads and bridges company.
Sariev demanded the resignation of the minister of transport and communications, who in turn accused the former prime minister of lobbying the Chinese company’s interests. Sariev denied the allegations as "insinuations."
