Temir Sariev Politician, chairman of the Ak-Shumkar party Date of Birth: 17.06.1963 Country: Kyrgyzstan

1. Early Life and Career
2. Political Involvement
3. Business and Politics
4. "Tulip Revolution" and Political Crisis
5. Opposition Movement
6. New Political Party and Protests
7. Return to Independent Status
8. Opposition United
9. Personal Life

Early Life and Career

Temir Argembaevich Sariev was born on June 17, 1963, in the village of Tosh-Bulak, Kyrgyzstan. After graduating from high school, he served in the Soviet Army from 1981 to 1983. Upon his discharge, Sariev worked in various positions at the Alamedin Fur Factory, including expeditor, economist, and senior economist.

Political Involvement

In 1987, Sariev became involved in politics as an instructor and head of the youth department of the Alamedin District Committee of the Komsomol. During this time, he also began pursuing business interests, opening commercial discos and cafes through the Youth Initiatives Center.

In 1989, Sariev was appointed an instructor in the organizational department of the Alamedin District Party Committee. He graduated from the Faculty of Economics at the Kyrgyz National State University the same year.

Business and Politics

In 1990, Sariev became the founder and president of the first commodity exchange in Kyrgyzstan. He subsequently served as general director of the financial and industrial firm "Toton" from 1995 to 2000.

In 2000, Sariev was elected to the Zhogorku Kenesh (Parliament) of Kyrgyzstan for the first time. He was re-elected in 2005, representing the Shopokov electoral district. During his time in parliament, Sariev became a member of the Zhibezholu faction and served on the budget and finance committee.

"Tulip Revolution" and Political Crisis

In 2005, Sariev participated in the "Tulip Revolution," which resulted in the overthrow of President Askar Akayev. He was a member of the parliamentary delegation that accepted Akayev's resignation in Moscow. Sariev subsequently joined the Constitutional Council of Kyrgyzstan.

In 2006, during a political crisis, Sariev emerged as one of four possible successors to the speaker of parliament, Omurbek Tekebayev. While he received the most votes in the first round, Sariev failed to secure the necessary number in subsequent rounds. The elections were continued, and Marat Sultanov was eventually elected speaker.

Opposition Movement

Sariev became one of the organizers of the opposition movement "For Reforms!" in 2006. The movement organized protests in Bishkek, alleging that President Bakiev had plans to dismiss parliament. In November 2006, it was reported that Sariev was in line to become Minister of Economy and Finance in the event of Bakiev's resignation.

In 2007, Sariev declined an offer to head the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. He was elected as one of nine co-chairmen of the "For Reforms!" movement and resigned from the Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan.

New Political Party and Protests

In April 2007, Sariev announced his support for the creation of a new political party based on the Union of Democratic Forces (UDF). The party was subsequently transformed into the UDF "Ak Shumkar" ("White Falcon"), with Sariev as one of its six co-chairmen.

In April 2007, Sariev and the "For Reforms!" movement participated in a protest against President Bakiev. Sariev accused the Minister of Internal Affairs of inaction against provocateurs allegedly brought to Bishkek by Bakiev. The protest was dispersed by police, and Sariev accused the authorities of provocation.

Return to Independent Status

In May 2008, the UDF "Ak Shumkar" withdrew from its alliance with the Ata-Meken party. The UDF "Ak Shumkar" re-established its independent status and amended its charter to remove the "Union of Democratic Forces" from its name. Sariev was elected as chairman of the party.

Opposition United

In December 2008, Sariev joined the United People's Movement (UPM), a coalition of 12 opposition movements and 7 parties seeking the early resignation of President Bakiev. Sariev was included in the political bureau of the UPM.

Personal Life

Temir Sariev is married and has two children. He holds the rank of State Councillor Class II.