Kazakh leader ends Yerbolat Dossayev’s term as mayor of Almaty after two-year tenure

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has officially dismissed Yerbolat Dossayev from his post as akim (mayor) of Almaty, the country’s largest city, according to a presidential decree issued on May 23, 2025.

The announcement was made by the presidential press service and confirmed by Kazakh media, per Caliber.Az.

“By decree of the head of state, Dossayev Yerbolat Askarbekovich has been relieved of his position as akim of Almaty,” the statement read.

The development coincided with a working visit to Almaty by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov on May 23. Local political activity is expected to intensify over the weekend, with a special session of the Almaty maslikhat (municipal assembly) scheduled for May 24 to approve the nomination of a new city chief.

Yerbolat Dossayev, 55, had served as Almaty’s mayor since January 31, 2022, and was reappointed to the position in December of the same year. Prior to becoming akim, he held a wide range of high-level roles in the Kazakh government. His résumé includes tenures as Minister of Finance, Minister of Health, and Minister of the Economy. He also led the national holding company Baiterek and served as the Governor of the National Bank of Kazakhstan.

Dossayev has additionally held the post of Deputy Prime Minister.

By Tamilla Hasanova