"One of the biggest mistakes was the closure of currency conversion in the country during the time of Islam Karimov, the first president of Uzbekistan (1996-2017)", a well-known writer Murad Muhammad Dost talked about this in his speech on the "Lolazor" podcast.
Murad Muhammad Dost, who served as the press secretary of Islam Karimov from 1993 to 1999 and worked in the presidential office simultaneously, shared insights into Karimov's personality and historical events during the podcast.
"He was a stern person"
As per Murad Muhammad Dost, Islam Karimov was known for his stern demeanor. He described instances when Karimov exhibited excessive and harsh strictness, as well as moments of ordinary happiness and grief.
"He was a stubborn person. This stubbornness was often useful in politics. Thinking about the interests of Uzbekistan, he was not afraid to make enemies at times. I remember that when I met Netanyahu (Prime Minister of Israel) for the first time, the two looked at each other with dislike. If there was a taller person in front of him, coming from a position above, Karimov would suddenly become Uzbek. But I remember more of the times when he thought about the interests of Uzbekistan," the writer recalled.
"No one could tell him about his mistakes"
"Sometimes he would ask 'Why no one talks back to me?' I make mistakes too! Why doesn't anyone tell me that I'm doing something wrong?' I think he was inclined to admit his mistakes. But there was no one to tell him about them."
The writer emphasized that while Karimov recognized his faults, there was a scarcity of individuals brave enough to speak the truth to him, leaving valuable insights untapped.
"Closing the conversion was the biggest mistake"
The most significant mistake highlighted by Murad Muhammad Dost was the decision to close currency conversion, a policy initiated in 1994. He argued that this move was Uzbekistan's most significant error during Karimov's presidency. The writer revealed that concerns about the outflow of currency led to the introduction of currency controls, eventually resulting in the creation of the concept of conversion. Murad criticized the decision, asserting that if the economy had continued to liberalize, the outcome would have been more favorable. He noted that the closure of conversion enriched a select few and led to the emergence of multiple exchange rates, benefiting those with the means to manipulate currency exchanges.
"Information was hidden from the president"
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