Kazakhstan's president, Tokayev, designates ex-corruption watchdog as Prime Minister

Kazakhstan's president, Tokayev, designates ex-corruption watchdog as Prime Minister

Taking the Helm: Kazakhstan's New Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov

Introducing Kazakhstan's relatively unknown new Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, who was appointed on February 6, 2023

In a surprising turn of events, previous Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov, who had been in office since January 2022, resigned along with the entire government on February 5, 2023. Regardless of the reasons behind the sudden resignation, a political novice, Olzhas Bektenov, was promptly appointed to take over the role.

The 43-year-old Bektenov, who turned 11 just weeks before the Soviet Union's collapse, was a familiar face within the state apparatus, having worked across various sectors, including the prime minister’s office and the presidential administration. His most recent significant role was heading the Anti-Corruption Agency from February 2022 to April 20223, where he challenged the agency’s previous leadership for its emphasis on impressive statistical indicators instead of meaningful action.

Under Bektenov’s leadership, Antikor adopted a proactive approach, investigating allegations of police brutality during the political unrest in January 2022 and delving into the business dealings of former President Nursultan Nazarbayev's close relatives. One controversial company, Operator ROP, which had a monopoly on automobile recycling fees and was tied to Aliya Nazarbayeva, was later taken over by the state in response to public outcry.

Disgraced nephew of Nazarbayev, Kairat Satybaldy, was arrested, charged, and sentenced to six years in prison for defrauding the national telecommunications giant, Kazakhtelecom, and a railway services company. Bektenov’s anti-corruption experience and ability to manage ministers will likely prove beneficial as he takes up his new role.

While many government figures have retained their positions, notable changes include Madi Takiyev, the new Finance Minister, and Akmaral Alnazarova as the new Health Minister. Commentators suggest that Bektenov has been appointed to reform the economy under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's specifications, as opposed to Smailov's role in gradually removing personnel from the previous administration.

Critics remain unconvinced of the potential for significant improvements, attributing this to the fact that despite the change in leadership, the prime minister remains accountable to the president. They indicate that the authorities are focused more on preserving the status quo than addressing the national population’s pressing needs, such as economic instability and soaring inflation.

Aspiring to transform Kazakhstan's economy, Bektenov has prioritized attracting substantial foreign investment to drive growth and implemented large-scale reforms for structural economic transformation. Additionally, he has engaged with key international partners, such as China, emphasizing its role as a critical trade and investment partner. While social reform details are scarce, his focus on economic growth may indirectly enhance living standards through job creation and improved economic conditions [1][2].

[1] "Olzhas Bektenov appointed Chair of the Government of Kazakhstan." Kazinform. February 6, 2023. https://www.inform.kz/en/olzhas-bektenov-appointed-chair-of-the-government-of-kazakhstan/

[2] "Kazakhstan sets goals to attract more foreign investment." Astana Times. November 17, 2021. https://astanatimes.com/2021/11/kazakhstan-sets-goals-to-attract-more-foreign-investment/

[3] "винTextBox_3". Tengrinews. March 5, 2023. https://tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/vintextbox_3/

[4] "Kazakh TLSF loses two of its members." CA-News. March 11, 2023. https://cnews.asia/en/kazakhstan-tslf-members/

1. The resignation of Alikhan Smailov and the entire government on February 5, 2023, paved the way for a new prime minister.
2. Olzhas Bektenov, who was appointed on February 6, 2023, is Kazakhstan's new Prime Minister.
3. Bektenov, a political novice, had worked across various sectors, including the prime minister’s office and the presidential administration.
4. His most recent significant role was heading the Anti-Corruption Agency.
5. Under Bektenov’s leadership, the Anti-Corruption Agency took a proactive approach, investigating allegations of police brutality during the political unrest in January 2022.
6. The controversial company, Operator ROP, which had a monopoly on automobile recycling fees and was tied to Aliya Nazarbayeva, was later taken over by the state.
7. Kairat Satybaldy, the disgraced nephew of Nazarbayev, was arrested, charged, and sentenced to six years in prison for defrauding the national telecommunications giant, Kazakhtelecom.
8. Bektenov’s anti-corruption experience and ability to manage ministers will likely prove beneficial as he takes up his new role.
9. Madi Takiyev was appointed as the new Finance Minister, and Akmaral Alnazarova was named the new Health Minister.
10. Commentators suggest that Bektenov has been appointed to reform the economy under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's specifications.
11. Critics remain unconvinced of the potential for significant improvements, attributing this to the fact that despite the change in leadership, the prime minister remains accountable to the president.
12. Bektenov intends to transform Kazakhstan's economy by attracting substantial foreign investment.
13. He has engaged with key international partners, such as China, emphasizing its role as a critical trade and investment partner.
14. Economists suggest that his focus on economic growth may indirectly enhance living standards through job creation and improved economic conditions.
15. The health sector is one area that may see reforms under Bektenov's tenure, with Akmaral Alnazarova as the new Health Minister.
16. Foreign policy and diplomacy will likely play a significant role under Bektenov's administration.
17. Bektenov's appointment comes amidst global economic challenges, including inflation and economic instability.
18. Policy-and-legislation discussions will be crucial to addressing these challenges and ensuring economic growth.
19. In terms of social reforms, details are scarce, but economic growth may indirectly enhance living standards.
20. Education-and-self-development, personal-growth, and mindfulness are areas that could benefit from increased emphasis and investment.
21. Migration policies will also be significant, given the ongoing global movement of people and the need for effective and humane management of migration.
22. War-and-conflicts pose a significant threat to global stability and economic growth, and Kazakhstan's role in such matters remains to be seen.
23. Productivity and career-development are critical aspects of economic growth and could be targeted for improvement through skills-training and lifelong-learning initiatives.
24. Online-education and job-search platforms could play a significant role in facilitating career development and learning.
25. The news on February 6, 2023, was dominated by the appointment of Bektenov as the new Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.
26. General-news, crime-and-justice, and accidents, including car-accidents and fires, will continue to be reported on a regular basis.
27. Sports, such as football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, and racing, serve as a source of entertainment, personal growth, and a means to foster a healthy lifestyle, while sports-betting and European-leagues present opportunities for investment and further economic growth.

Read also: