Kazakhstan’s first president Nursultan Nazarbayev surprisingly resigned on 19 March and announced that the Speaker of the Senate, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, will serve as interim leader before the next presidential election, which will take place on 9 June. At the same time, Nazarbayev retained certain powers. The Kazakh transition seems unique of its kind and is attracting international attention.
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Nazarbayev: I stepped down in the interest of the people of Kazakhstan
The first President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, was the main speaker and the centre of attention at the 12th edition of the Astana Economic Forum on Thursday (16 May). To a wide international audience, he provided explanations for his recent …
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At Nur-Sultan forum, leaders advise focus on education
Kazakhstan is investing in human capital and plans to become one of the world’s 30 most advanced nations by 2050. At a recent conference in the capital Nur-Sultan, leaders and economists offered advice, valid also for other countries as well: to focus on education.
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EU puts hope in Kazakhstan in helping unlock the WTO knot
At the Astana Economic Forum, a representative of the EU hinted that the host country, Kazakhstan, could play a role in helping to bridge differences over the reform of the World Trade Organisation
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Kazakhstan takes its presidential elections seriously
Kazakhs will vote for a new President on 9 June and, for the first time since the country’s independence, Nursultan Nazarbayev is not running. Diplomats say the winner will certainly be Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, but six other candidates have joined the race.
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What next for Kazakhstan after the elections?
The next President of Kazakhstan will have to oversee that there is no backsliding in economic, social and political reforms, and reassure international partners that the external policy of the country remains unchanged, writes Eli Hadzieva.
