Kazakhstan's former leader Nazarbayev announces political retirement
"I am enjoying my well-deserved retirement," the 81-year-old Nursultan Nazarbayev said in a video message released on Tuesday. Nazarbayev's resignation paved the way for his confidant Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to assume power in the authoritarian state, which is rich in oil and gas.
- World
- DPA
- Published Date: 10:11 | 18 January 2022
- Modified Date: 10:29 | 18 January 2022
Nursultan Nazarbayev, who ruled Kazakhstan for over 30 years before stepping aside in 2019, has announced that he will retire from politics entirely after bloody unrest rocked the country's establishment.
"I am enjoying my well-deserved retirement," the 81-year-old said in a video message released on Tuesday.
Nazarbayev's resignation paved the way for his confidant Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to assume power in the authoritarian state, which is rich in oil and gas. Nazarbayev did however retain extensive powers.
Over the course of mass protests a fortnight ago, Tokayev dismissed his predecessor as head of the powerful Security Council and declared himself chairman.
There was also speculation that Nazarbayev had left the country. "I haven't gone anywhere," he said in his speech, filmed sitting at a table with Kazakh state flags in the background.
He has been staying in Nur-Sultan, he said. The capital city, formerly known as Astana, was renamed in his honour after he resigned.
Tokayev has also dismissed several of Nazarbayev's confidants and family members from important positions in recent weeks.
But the former head of state denied any conflicts or tensions within the nation's ruling elite.
"The rumours on this issue have no basis," he said, adding that President Tokayev had full authority.
Tokayev is now also set to head of the ruling party Nur Otan.
In his speech, Nazarbayev also talked up reforms promised by his successor.
"I am enjoying my well-deserved retirement," the 81-year-old said in a video message released on Tuesday.
Nazarbayev's resignation paved the way for his confidant Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to assume power in the authoritarian state, which is rich in oil and gas. Nazarbayev did however retain extensive powers.
Over the course of mass protests a fortnight ago, Tokayev dismissed his predecessor as head of the powerful Security Council and declared himself chairman.
There was also speculation that Nazarbayev had left the country. "I haven't gone anywhere," he said in his speech, filmed sitting at a table with Kazakh state flags in the background.
He has been staying in Nur-Sultan, he said. The capital city, formerly known as Astana, was renamed in his honour after he resigned.
Tokayev has also dismissed several of Nazarbayev's confidants and family members from important positions in recent weeks.
But the former head of state denied any conflicts or tensions within the nation's ruling elite.
"The rumours on this issue have no basis," he said, adding that President Tokayev had full authority.
Tokayev is now also set to head of the ruling party Nur Otan.
In his speech, Nazarbayev also talked up reforms promised by his successor.
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