About: Kassim-Jomart Tokayev

Kazakhstan minister: We steadily observe our obligations in the field of human rights

Kazakhstan is moving towards reforms progressively and steadily, with the state now supporting and financing NGOs and the political opposition enjoying full parliamentary rights, Aida Balaeva, the minister of information and social development, told EURACTIV in an interview.

Kazakhstan holds parliamentary elections

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree scheduling the parliamentary elections for the Majilis for 10 January 2021. The elections are seen as another step in the process of “controlled democratisation” of the former Soviet republic.

‘We have to be observers’ in Kazakh elections, MEP says

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Parliament has yet to decide whether it will send observers to Kazakhstan's parliamentary elections in January.

Kazakhstan adopts a new law on rallies encouraging pluralism

Kazakhstan adopted the new law on peaceful assemblies, continuing its path of “controlled democratisation" with more liberal legislation that analysts said is helping to develop strong multi-party democracy.

Political reform in Kazakhstan is also an answer to a global problem

The recent reforms introducing more democracy in Kazakhstan are also an answer to a global problem – how to respond to the lack of public confidence in leadership around the world, writes Shavkat Sabirov.

Kazakhstan’s leadership opens up to ‘alternative opinion’

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a major agenda-setting speech on Friday (20 December), outlining measures to improve the economy and social standards, but also introducing several democratic reforms.

Kazakhstan president reshuffles key positions

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has unexpectedly reshuffled key government positions on Wednesday (18 December), three weeks after signing a law that makes cabinet ministers directly responsible for corruption among their subordinates.

Central Asia leaders meet again in sign of increased regional cooperation

A five-way summit hosted by Uzbekistan’s President Shavket Mirziyoyev took place in the Kuksaroy Palace in Tashkent, the country's capital, on Friday (29 November). The second meeting of Central Asia leaders in as many years focused on geopolitics and stability, but also on environmental concerns.

Expert: Nazarbayev pushed Russia and Ukraine to meet in Paris

In a wide-ranging interview, Ariel Cohen, a US lobbyist with ties to Kazakhstan, spoke about the various international initiatives of the Central Asian country, including improving US-Russia relations, finding a solution to the Ukraine crisis, nuclear arms control and more.

New Kazakh leadership: What impact for EU-Kazakhstan relations?

Following the presidential elections on June 9th, Kazakhstan has a new leader, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He is the second president to be elected after almost thirty years of uninterrupted rule by Nursultan Nazarbayev, who occupied the position since the fall of the Soviet Union.

Kazakhstan’s new president vows to pursue controlled democratisation

Kazakhstan’s new President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered on Monday (2 September) his first major speech following his election last June, defining his policies in all fields of the economy and society.

EU-Kazakhstan: Elections, trade and transition

A small cultural contextualisation may prove helpful when discussing political reform in Kazakhstan, says Samuel Doveri Vesterbye. Here it is.

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...