President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev has accepted the resignation of the government, January 5, 2022. The corresponding decree was published on the website of the head of state
Alikhan Smailov – first deputy prime minister of Kazakhstan – was appointed Acting Prime Minister. According to the decree, the government will continue to perform its duties until a new cabinet is approved.
Tokayev also relieved Krymbek Kusherbayev of his post as state secretary and appointed his assistant Yerlan Karin to the post. Murat Nurtleu, deputy head of the Kazakh presidential administration, became first deputy chairman of the National Security Committee.
Recall that the government’s resignation came amid protests over higher prices for liquefied gas starting January 1. The authorities attributed the price hikes to market laws, but later announced lower gas prices in Mangistau Oblast, where the protests began.
However, the authorities’ actions did not stop the rallies, which turned into clashes with security forces. The protesters demanded the resignation of the government and the departure from politics of Kazakhstan’s first President Nursultan Nazarbayev.
Yesterday, 4 December, President Tokayev addressed the protesters, urging them not to follow the calls of spoilers interested in undermining the stability and unity of society.