| President | Years in Office | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Nursultan Nazarbayev | 1991-2019 | Kazakh |
| Kassym-Jomart Tokayev | 2019-present | Kazakh |
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First President of Kazakhstan:
Tenure: 1991-2019
Origin: Nursultan Nazarbayev is of Kazakh descent.
Previous Positions Held:
- Chairman of the Supreme Soviet (1989-1991)
- Prime Minister of Kazakhstan (1984-1989)
Notable Achievements:
- Transition to Independence: Nazarbayev led Kazakhstan through the dissolution of the Soviet Union, guiding the country to independence in 1991.
- Economic Reforms: Implemented significant economic reforms that transformed Kazakhstan into a market economy. His policies attracted foreign investment, particularly in the oil and gas sectors.
- Infrastructure Development: Promoted the development of modern infrastructure, including the capital city move from Almaty to Astana (now Nur-Sultan) to symbolize the new era of the nation.
Downsides:
- Authoritarianism: His long tenure was marked by allegations of authoritarianism. The lack of political competition and control over media and opposition parties raised concerns about democratic processes.
- Corruption: Despite economic growth, his presidency faced criticism for corruption and the concentration of wealth among a small elite, which led to public discontent.
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Current President of Kazakhstan:
Tenure: 2019-present
Origin: Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is of Kazakh descent.
Previous Positions Held:
- Prime Minister of Kazakhstan (1999-2002)
- Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan (1994-1999)
- Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan (2011-2019)
Notable Achievements:
- Reform Agenda: Tokayev has continued Nazarbayev’s economic and social reforms while initiating new reforms to improve governance and reduce corruption.
- Economic Focus: His administration has emphasized modernization and diversification of Kazakhstan’s economy, aiming to reduce reliance on oil exports and enhance the digital economy.
- Political Liberalization: Tokayev has taken steps towards political liberalization, including reforms to increase the political pluralism and participation of opposition parties.
Downsides:
- Political Protests: His presidency has faced challenges, including significant protests over economic issues and political freedoms, which led to violent clashes in early 2022.
- Implementation Challenges: There have been difficulties in fully implementing reforms, and the extent of political change remains uncertain.
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Overview of Kazakh Presidents
Kazakhstan’s presidency has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s modern identity and development. Nursultan Nazarbayev, as the first President, was instrumental in steering Kazakhstan through the transition from Soviet rule to an independent state.
Significant economic progress and modernization efforts marked his tenure, though a lack of political freedom and widespread corruption also characterized it.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s presidency has been focused on continuing economic and social reforms while addressing some of the issues that arose under Nazarbayev’s rule.
Tokayev has faced both opportunities and challenges as he navigates the path towards greater political openness and economic diversification.
Kazakhstan’s political landscape continues to evolve, and ongoing reforms, public demands for greater political freedoms, and economic challenges will likely shape the future of its presidency.