President Mirziyoyev urges generational change in law enforcement leadership

Speaking at a meeting focused on governance and security, the president said the current composition of leadership within law enforcement agencies no longer fully meets modern requirements and should be critically reassessed. He emphasized that the country needs leaders with strong professional competencies capable of responding effectively to growing public safety and security challenges.

“We need a corps of young, demanding leaders with high professional competence,” Mirziyoyev said.

According to information presented at the meeting, more than 300 senior officials currently serving in the law enforcement system have exceeded the established age limits for service. Under existing regulations, the maximum age is set at 55 for colonels and 60 for generals. Despite this, these officials continue to hold leadership positions.

By contrast, the president noted that all managerial personnel within the Ministry of Emergency Situations are under the age of 50, describing this as a more dynamic and forward-looking personnel model.

Mirziyoyev underlined that leadership roles should increasingly be entrusted to younger professionals, while the experience of those who have reached retirement age should not be lost. Instead, he proposed creating mechanisms that would allow senior officers to continue contributing as mentors, instructors, or advisers working with young people at the neighborhood level.

The president also said that the performance of officials responsible for security in state institutions and enterprises should undergo a critical review, pointing to the need for broader personnel and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening accountability and effectiveness across the law enforcement sector.