KZBlog

Some of the coverage on the resignation of the Prime Minister which is particularly note-worthy.

• Adam Kesher’s article on the Russian website of kazakhstan.neweurasia.net is notable for its depth.
  He also notes, unlike other sources, that someone who may step into a government-role (as minister or vice-minister perhaps) is Grigor Marchenko, former advisor to the President, and one of the architects of the economic-financial system of independent Kazakhstan, and currently working for Khalik Bank. As Kesher also puts it, “he did not hide his conflict with Akhmetov.” Akhmetov didn’t hide it either.
  
  He does not expect radical changes in the government, but possibly some members of Rakhat Aliyev’s team will leave the government, particularly those in weaker positions.

• The Times, which is unable to report on the news without mentioning Borat, quotes Zhandosov of Nagyz Ak Zhol, as saying Akhmetov did not do much to help the economy, and that “He was weak in terms of ideas and the ability to build a team.” While the economy did flourish under Akhmetov’s 3 and a half year term, he was not much of an economist it is true, nor did he seem to particularly play politics–as many sources are pointing out, Akhmetov was widely seen as a compromise figure between different political interests, part of his longevity in the post.

  The Times also notes that Masimov, when appointed as Deputy Minister, was put in charge of strategic planning while Akhemtov was put in charge of implementation. At the time, this was seen as very odd that the PM would be limited to doing the dirty work of carrying out what the President said, or even carrying out the plans of his own deputy! The responsibility put on Masimov’s shoulders was seen as a sign that his star was rising!

• Finally, Bloomberg’s coverage is pretty complete and interesting for citing Western experts on the event:
  

  Sabit Zhusupov, head of the Almaty-based Kazakh Institute for Socioeconomic Information and Forecasts, said in a telephone interview that ‘tense relations” between Akhmetov and Masimov may have been behind the prime minister’s resignation.

  Micheal Denison at Leeds University is quoted as saying: “was a useful balancing, comprising figure, acceptable to all the factions, which is why he probably stayed prime minister longer than most” Denison also describes Masimov as: “‘very bright and a safe pair of hands’ and someone who ‘would be a savvy political operator,’ with a lot of experience in dealing with foreign oil companies.”