August 24, 2012 - 12:28 AMT
Kyrgyz President dismisses government

Kyrgyzstan's President Almazbek Atambayev signed a decree on Friday, Aug 24, sacking the government, RIA Novosti reported.

The move follows a break-up of the majority coalition in parliament.

Two parliamentary groups of the Zhogorku Kenesha (parliament of Kyrgyzia) coalition, Ar-Namys and Ata Meken, declared on Tuesday and Wednesday they would leave the coalition, formed in January.

Kyrgyzstan is a parliamentary republic led by the Prime Minister, nominated by coalitions with a parliamentary majority. Groups join coalitions to form a coalition majority government.

Following the 2010 elections, five parties were elected to the Zhogorku Kenesha, four of which - the Social-Democratic party, Ata Meken, Respublika and Ar Namys - formed a coalition, with the Ata Zhurt party in opposition.

By law, if a coalition breaks up, the Prime Minister has to resign and a new government be formed.