Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 9
By Elena Kosolapova – Trend:
The resignation of Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov became the result of the problems piled up in the country over the past year, Andrey Chebotarev, director of the “Alternative” research center in Kazakhstan, told Trend Sept. 9.
“Massimov's resignation is the reaction to problems in the country,” said Chebotarev. “It is caused by the need to resolve topical problems that arose after the devaluation last year, which led to the deterioration of economy and social sphere.”
Earlier, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev dismissed Karim Massimov from the post of prime minister, which he held for about seven years, and appointed Massimov chairman of the country’s National Security Committee. Nazarbayev explained this appointment by the fact that Massimov is needed at this post to enhance security sphere, as there is a problem of terrorism.
Chebotarev said that a number of rallies and protests against land reform, as well as a series of terrorist attacks took place in Kazakhstan this year.
“When things get worse in a particular area, it's not the systematic measures that are taken, but a person responsible for this area is dismissed instead," he said, adding that Kazakhstan has been doing this for a long time.
The expert believes that the country’s acting Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev is a suitable candidate for the post of prime minister, since he has held various key positions and proven himself quite well.
Karim Massimov’s appointment as head of the National Security Committee shows that he remains on the team and enjoys great confidence, according to Chebotarev.
He pointed out that the security sphere in Kazakhstan really needs strengthening.
However, the appointment of Massimov, who hasn’t served in special services and is one of the key managers in Nazarbayev’s team, shows that aside from the anti-terrorism activities, such spheres as ensuring economic security, fighting corruption and shadow economy will also be strengthened, according to the expert.
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