Kazakhstan’s president appointed his chief of staff as the new prime minister yesterday, the day after he dismissed the country’s government.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev named chief of staff Olzhas Bektenov, 43, to replace Alikhan Smailov as prime minister, Fergana news agency reported yesterday, citing Akorda press service.

The ruling Amanat party nominated Bektenov, who previously led the country’s anti-corruption agency, and the national parliament quickly gave its approval.

Recall, Tokayev fired his Cabinet on February 5 after criticizing its performance. A decree released by president’s office said he had accepted the resignation of the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov.  The president ordered Cabinet members to continue exercising their duties pending the approval of a new Cabinet.

The decree didn’t explain the reason for the Cabinet’s resignation, but Tokayev had criticized the ministers last year and said the Cabinet was responsible for the failure to stem inflation and improve the country’s aging infrastructure.

Alikhan Smailov, 51, was named prime minister in the wake of violent protests in January 2022 that left 225 people dead.  It was the worst unrest since Kazakhstan gained independence following the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.

Meanwhile, some experts note that Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dominates the country’s politics and the Cabinet plays mostly a technical role.  Key Cabinet members, including defense, interior and foreign ministers, have retained their jobs for now.

The president is expected to set priorities for the new Cabinet at a meeting with top officials today.