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Uzbekistan's political landscape is being closely watched, with particular attention on the public persona of Saida Mirziyoyeva, the eldest daughter of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Political analyst Galia Ibragimova has offered a sharp critique of how Mirziyoyeva's image is being cultivated, suggesting it resembles a meticulously produced television drama rather than the typical portrayal of a government official.

The 'Savior' Narrative

Mirziyoyeva frequently shares updates about her work on social media, with each post appearing to follow a carefully considered script. According to Ibragimova, the central theme is her consistent appearance as a problem-solver, stepping in to restore order across various sectors.

"Every video of hers on social media is a mini-story about how the president's wise and wonderful daughter is once again saving Uzbekistan and society. Each new video is a new series of such salvation. They are filmed professionally, like a long-running TV series," Ibragimova explained. "Each episode starts very seriously. Saida is like Donna Corleone in black, walking with a confident gait, because she has the 'right,' she is the president's daughter. She enters a new institution and establishes order. Everything is very strict, serious, the camera focuses, slow movements... There!"

A Multifaceted Role

Ibragimova points out Mirziyoyeva's involvement in diverse areas, including visits to hospitals, kindergartens, and theaters. She is also depicted addressing issues such as traffic regulation, smog, and security concerns within cities and the country.

In these appearances, Mirziyoyeva is shown giving directives to officials, assertively indicating her authority. The analyst also notes her use of mixed Uzbek and Russian languages as a deliberate tactic to enhance her impact.

Emulating a Presidential Style

The analyst also observes the reactions of those around Mirziyoyeva. She describes how older men and women diligently take notes of the "princess's" every instruction, drawing parallels to the political style seen in Turkmenistan.

Ibragimova compares Mirziyoyeva to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, who employed a similar political approach. "The drama of each video is the same: everything was bad, but Arkadag came. Or in the Uzbek version – Princess Saida came, and the problem began to be solved. But in the case of Turkmenistan, it is understandable because it was the president's business. But why does she, with a commanding voice, pound the floor, slam her hand on the table, and take on the functions of all state institutions of the presidential administration? This is truly surprising," the political scientist stated.

While public engagement with this content is often high, Ibragimova suggests that a portion of this activity might be artificially generated.