Political scientists assess speech by Kazakhstan's first president
statement. Political scientists commented.
Photos: Still from the video
Nazarbayev said that he is on a well-deserved rest in the “capital of Kazakhstan” and is not going anywhere. He stressed that he has been retired since 2019, that the country is fully controlled by his successor Kassym-Jomart Tokaev and that there is no confrontation in the elite.
Nazarbayev's five-minute video message to the citizens was published on the official website of the first president of the republic. The leader of the nation sits at a table on the background of the flags of Kazakhstan (two months earlier, Nazarbayev shot videos on the same background, at the same table). He traditionally addressed the people first in Kazakh and then in Russian.
“In 2019, I transferred the powers of the president to Kassym-Zhomart Tokajev, and I have been a retiree ever since,” said the nation's leader. Now, according to him, all power is in the hands of his successor. The combination of these circumstances should indicate that the rumors of a redistribution of sphere of influence within the elite are unfounded.
Despite voluntarily resigning from the presidency and announcing the transfer of power, Nazarbayev continued to make decisions that determine the country's development. Elbasy remained the leader of the ruling Nur-Otan party until the end of 2021 and retained the post of head of the Security Council until the beginning of the January protests. Nazarbayev's complete silence about what was happening in the country prompted many rumors, including his escape and even his death. During this time, almost all of his relatives were released from management positions and his daughters emigrated from the country. In many ways, it is the result of Tokayev's actions, which announced a hunt for the oligarchs who enriched themselves under Nazarbayev's government.
In his speech, Kazakhstan's first president drew a line behind his country's 30-year rule. During this time, Kazakhstan was able to strengthen its borders and become a leader in many ways not only in Central Asia but also in the CIS. He explained the protests in the country after the increase in gas tariffs as an attack on the integrity and foundations of Kazakhstan and called on citizens to protect the independence of the state “as the eye of the eye”. He concluded by calling for support for a reform program proposed by Tokayev to improve citizens' well-being.
Nursultan Nazarbayev was found: a video of his call was published/p>
Experts explained to the MK the long-term absence of Nazarbayev and suggested why he has now decided to break the silence.