Kazakhstan's PM renews tenure upon president's re-appointment

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on March 30 reappointed Alikhan Smailov as the country’s prime minister, the press service of the head of state reported, per TASS.

"[I hereby decree] to appoint Alikhan Askhanovich Smailov as Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan," the presidential decree said. Smailov has been heading the country’s government since January 2022.

Earlier, deputies of the Majilis (lower house of parliament) voted in favour of approving Smailov's candidacy for the post of prime minister.

On March 29, the head of state signed a decree instructing the government to carry out its duties until a new cabinet is approved. Earlier, the president, after consulting with the factions of the political parties in the Majilis, submitted a candidate for the post of the head of the Cabinet of Ministers to the Majilis for consideration.

Alikhan Smailov, 50, has served as the First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan since May 2020. Since February 2019, he worked as the first deputy head of the government - Finance Minister. Over his career, he was Finance Minister and Aide to the President.