Nursultan Nazarbayev

Nursultan Nazarbayev is a Kazakh statesman who served as the first President of Kazakhstan from the country's independence in 1991 until his resignation in 2019. His lengthy tenure oversaw Kazakhstan's transition from a Soviet republic to a sovereign nation, characterized by significant economic development and a distinctive multi-vector foreign policy. He previously held high office in the Kazakh SSR, including as its Chairman of the Supreme Soviet. Nazarbayev retains the constitutional title of "Elbasy" (Leader of the Nation) and held influential posts such as Chairman of the Security Council of Kazakhstan and head of the ruling Nur Otan party until 2022.

Early life and career

Born in the village of Chemolgan near Almaty, he began his career as a steelworker at the Karaganda Steel Plant after graduating from technical school. He joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1962 and rose through the industrial and party apparatus, becoming the Prime Minister of the Kazakh SSR in 1984 under General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. During the late 1980s, he navigated the December 1986 protests in Alma-Ata and was appointed Chairman of the Supreme Soviet in 1990, effectively becoming the republic's head of state as the Dissolution of the Soviet Union unfolded.

Presidency of Kazakhstan

Following the 1991 Kazakh presidential election, he became the independent nation's first president, a position he would hold for nearly three decades through elections in 1999, 2005, 2011, and 2015. His presidency established a strong executive system, with the capital moved from Almaty to Astana (renamed Nur-Sultan in his honor in 2019) in 1997. His rule faced criticism from organizations like Human Rights Watch and OSCE election monitors, particularly during events like the 2011 Zhanaozen massacre. He unexpectedly resigned in March 2019, succeeded by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Foreign policy and international relations

Nazarbayev pursued a pragmatic "multi-vector" foreign policy, balancing relations with major powers including Russia, the China, and the United States. He championed nuclear disarmament, closing the Semipalatinsk Test Site and renouncing the Soviet nuclear arsenal inherited by Kazakhstan. He was instrumental in fostering regional organizations like the Eurasian Economic Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and positioned Kazakhstan as a mediator in talks such as those concerning the Syrian Civil War via the Astana Process.

Economic policies and reforms

His administration focused on transitioning to a market economy, heavily centered on developing the nation's vast natural resources, particularly oil and gas from fields like Tengiz and Kashagan. Major foreign investment was attracted from companies like Chevron and Eni, with exports flowing through pipelines like the CPC Pipeline to global markets. The National Fund of the Republic of Kazakhstan was established to manage resource revenues, while initiatives like the Bolashak program sent students abroad for education. Despite growth, the economy remained vulnerable to commodity price swings, as seen during the 2014–2016 Kazakhstani tenge devaluation.

Post-presidency and legacy

After his resignation, he retained significant formal authority as Elbasy and held key positions including Chairman of the Security Council of Kazakhstan and leader of Nur Otan until the 2022 Kazakh unrest led to his removal from these posts. His legacy is deeply contested, symbolized by the renaming of the capital to Nur-Sultan and numerous monuments, contrasted with protests and the removal of his name from institutions and places following the 2022 events. His family, including daughters Dariga Nazarbayeva and Dinara Nazarbayeva, and son-in-law Timur Kulibayev, remain influential figures in Kazakhstani business and politics.

Category:Presidents of Kazakhstan Category:1940 births Category:Leaders of the Soviet Republics Category:Recipients of the Order of the Golden Eagle