Tokayev announced the dismissal of Nursultan Nazarbayev – RBK

The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev, in his address to the nation, said that he would head the republic’s Security Council. Previously, this position was held by former President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

According to Tokayev, the measures taken against the background of mass protests are not enough. The president believes that behind the riots are “financially motivated conspirators” who have a “carefully thought out plan.”

“Therefore, as the head of state and from today, the chairman of the Security Council intends to act as tough as possible,” Tokayev said.

He also denied reports of his escape. “Whatever it is, I will be in the capital. Soon I will come up with new proposals for the political transformation of Kazakhstan. I remain on the same position of consistent reforms, ”the President said.

Nazarbayev headed the Security Council in 2019 after leaving the presidency. “This was the last position where Nazarbayev had a non-representative function. Now, from a formal point of view, we can say that Tokayev has full power in the key structures of Kazakhstan, ”said Daria Chizhova, an expert, director of the Information and Analytical Center for the Study of Social and Political Processes in the Post-Soviet Space of Moscow State University, RBC.