BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 29. The Government of Kazakhstan under the leadership of Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov has resigned before the elected Majilis (lower house) of parliament, Trend reports via Kazakh media.
According to the media, the election of the lower house MPs was held on March 19, 2023, and most of the seats were taken by ‘Amanat’, the largest party in the country. The MPs of the new convocation have gathered for the first meeting.
The media explained that according to the Constitution of Kazakhstan, the government resigns its powers before the newly elected parliament.
"In connection with the resignation of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan before the newly elected Majilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, I decree the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan to fulfill its duties until the approval of the new composition of the government," the text of the decree of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, published by his press service, said.
Now Tokayev must submit a new candidacy for the head of government for consideration by the MPs. After approval by the parliament, he will appoint the new candidate as prime minister.
However, speaking at the first meeting of the new parliament, Tokayev suggested the ‘Amanat’ Party nominate a candidate for the post of prime minister.
"Thus, this party will assume political responsibility, which once again confirms the ‘strong president - influential parliament - accountable government’ formula, he said.
Smailov became Kazakhstan's prime minister in January 2022, succeeding Askar Mamin amid mass unrest, which, according to the official version, was a cover for a coup attempt.