Felix Kulov served as the ninth Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, leading the government from 2005 to 2007 following the Tulip Revolution.
Early Career in Law Enforcement
Born in 1948 in Bishkek, Kulov entered public service through the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He completed studies at the Omsk Higher School in 1971 and later attended the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in 1978. Throughout the late Soviet period, he occupied various security roles, including inspector for drug addiction and head of the Talas MVD department. By 1991, he attained the rank of major general and served as the military commandant of Frunze.
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In 1990, Kulov became a member of the Presidential Council and campaigned for the chairmanship of the Supreme Soviet. Following independence, he functioned as the republic's first post-Soviet interior minister before serving as Vice President from 1992 to 1993. During this tenure, he oversaw the introduction of the national currency, the som. His departure from this post followed allegations concerning missing gold reserves. He subsequently served three years as governor of the Chuy Province and later as minister of national security.
Political Imprisonment and Opposition
In 1999, Kulov founded the political party Ar-Namys. During a 2000 bid for the Supreme Council, authorities arrested him on corruption charges, leading to a seven-year prison sentence delivered by a military court in 2001. He remained incarcerated until the events of the 2005 Tulip Revolution, after which the Supreme Court cleared him of all charges. Later, the UN Human Rights Committee identified civil rights violations within his trial.
Premiership and Legislative Conflict
Following the 2005 revolution, Kulov briefly coordinated law enforcement before his confirmation as Prime Minister on September 1, 2005. His premiership ended with a resignation on December 19, 2006. Reappointed in an acting capacity, he faced parliamentary rejection in January 2007. Despite presidential efforts to renominate him, the assembly refused confirmation, leading to the appointment of his successor later that month. In 2007, he moved into active opposition, facing charges related to public disorder.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, Bishkek
- Military rank: Lieutenant general
- Political party: Ar-Namys
- Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan: 2005–2007
- Vice President of Kyrgyzstan: 1992–1993
- Awards: Dank Medal, Order of the Badge of Honour
- Religious affiliation: Sunni Islam
Questions readers ask
What was Kulov's role in the introduction of the Kyrgyz som?
As Vice President of Kyrgyzstan between 1992 and 1993, he oversaw the launch of the national currency.
Was Felix Kulov ever imprisoned?
Yes. He was arrested in 2000 and sentenced to seven years in prison in 2001, but was cleared of all charges in 2005.
Achievements
- Vice President of Kyrgyzstan (1992–1993)
- Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan (2005–2007)
- Order of the Badge of Honour
- Medal "For Distinction in the Protection of the State Borders"
- Dank Medal
