️ Sherzod Kudbiyev, Chairman of the National Committee for Sustainable Development of Urbanization and Housing Market, has commented on social media discussions regarding his expensive watch. The controversy began after the accessory was seen at a meeting, with bloggers and users identifying it as a luxury model (allegedly a Vacheron Constantin Overseas or Breguet Marine), estimating its value at $50,000.

️ Journalist Ilyos Safarov emphasized that public scrutiny of state officials' assets is a norm in a democratic state. He argued that Kudbiyev's silence in such situations only deepens distrust in the authorities. Safarov stated: “A state official is someone who receives a salary from taxpayers' money and must account for every penny. In this sense, investigating the watch's price and source is not 'interference in private life' but a check on immunity to corruption.” He highlighted a systemic issue—the lack of a functional mechanism for declaring incomes and assets of officials.

️ Kudbiyev, in a video address, attributed the delayed response to a heavy workload and “stress.” He said: “Brother Ilyos Safarov's analysis was very pertinent. This watch is very precious to me, but a state official must be modest first and foremost.” The committee head added that officials need to strictly adhere to professional ethics, especially at public events, and pledged to work only for the prosperity of the homeland.

️ The debate has reignited concerns over delays in implementing a system for declaring incomes and assets of state officials. A law mandating declarations was planned for adoption as early as September 2017, but deadlines have been postponed multiple times, including targets for January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2021. In 2024, the Anti-Corruption Agency reported the draft law was nearly ready, and in March 2025, the president allegedly ordered a short-term public discussion, but this also failed to materialize. In April 2025, Gazeta found that plans include mandatory disclosure of 6 categories of data in declarations, with 20 others proposed to remain confidential, indicating limited transparency.

Source: www.gazeta.uz