Kyrgyz president urges population not to squander money, as 'everything is expensive'

BISHKEK. Apr 4 (Interfax) - The socioeconomic situation in Kyrgyzstan may worsen due to global events, the presidential press service quoted Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov as saying on Monday.

"The situation may worsen due to the latest global events. We should be prepared for that," Japarov said at a meeting of social sector workers.

Japarov described the situation in Kyrgyzstan as difficult. "Everything is expensive. Prices have gone up. There is not enough money for buying many essentials. I am asking all of you to reconsider your spending, to delay the purchase of expensive items and tois [banquettes], and to stop squandering money. The main thing today is to maintain food security. At the level of both the state and every family," Japarov said.

Salaries of over 300,000 social sector workers will be raised on April 1, while child benefits are due to grow on June 1, he said.

"We raise salaries of social and cultural sector employees today. If our budget was full, we would raise salaries in every sector at once. Yet our budget is limited. So, I am asking you to be patient," Japarov said.