Kazakhstan’s 78-Year Old President Unexpectedly Resigns after Nearly 30 Years in Power

Kazakhstan’s 78-Year Old President Unexpectedly Resigns after Nearly 30 Years in Power

Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev on Tuesday, after nearly 30 years in power, announced his resignation.

“I have decided to end my duties as president,” Nazarbayev said before signing a decree terminating his powers effective March 30, according to Al Jazeera.

Nazarbayev, 78, served as the first President of Kazakhstan since its independence from the Soviet Union on April 24, 1990.

“This year I will have held the highest post for 30 years. As the founder of the independent Kazakh state, I see my task now in facilitating the rise of a new generation of leaders who will continue the reforms that are under way in the country,” he said.

Nazarbayev said he will retain key Security Council and party leader positions, while handing over the presidency to a loyal ally for the rest of his term, which ends in April 2020.

“I have taken a decision, which was not easy for me, to resign as president. As the founder of the independent Kazakh state,  I see my task now in facilitating the rise of a new generation of leaders who will continue the reforms that are under way in the country,” he said in a televised addressed

“Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, speaker of the upper house of parliament, will take over as Kazakhstan’s acting president for the remainder of his term in line with the constitution,’’ Nazarbayev said.