Dynastic Politics Take Shape in Uzbekistan

More than a week after President Shavkat Mirziyoyev restructured Uzbekistan’s presidential administration — formally elevating his daughter, Saida Mirziyoyeva, to one of the most powerful posts in the country — the political ramifications are still unfolding. The move, which reintroduced the post of Head of the Presidential Administration and placed it in family hands, has drawn both domestic scrutiny and international attention for what it signals: the clearest step yet toward dynastic succession in post-Soviet Central Asia. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reinstated the position of Head of the Presidential Administration through a presidential decree. The office had previously been abolished in August 2023, but her appointment formalizes what had become an influential de facto position. Since 2019, Saida Mirziyoyeva has steadily risen through the ranks of Uzbekistan’s political system, from deputy director of the Agency for Information and Mass Communications to head of the Information Policy sector, and most recently, First Assistant to the President. Her meeting with the Russian presidential administration in June 2025 is seen as a sign of international positioning, with Moscow reportedly signaling that it would not oppose a dynastic transition as long as its strategic interests remain intact. Analysts have pointed out that this appointment cements Saida’s formal role, casting her status within the government apparatus in stone and making any reversal unlikely. While some see this as a move toward a dynastic handover, others argue she still faces competition from within the elite. One such rival is Otabek Umarov, the president’s son-in-law, who holds a powerful position in the Security Service and is considered the 'gray cardinal' of Uzbek politics. In a dramatic twist, Komil Allamjonov — former head of the Information Policy Department and a close ally of Saida — has returned as her advisor. He previously resigned in September 2024 amid a reported feud with Umarov and survived an assassination attempt in October 2024. His return is seen by many as a sign of Umarov’s waning influence, though analysts caution that he still retains significant power in security structures. The rivalry could deepen internal fractures within the ruling elite, raising the risk of future instability.

Daughter of Uzbekistan’s President – His Aide as Well – Gets Promoted

The eldest daughter of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been elevated to head of the presidential administration, strengthening her power at top levels of the government of the Central Asian country. Saida Mirziyoyeva, 40, already had a high-profile role in Uzbekistan’s government, meeting international dignitaries in her role as a presidential aide. Now she will take on a newly created role that is likely to stir debate about whether she could become a candidate to eventually succeed her father. “By decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, changes were made to the structure of the Presidential Administration. The position of Head of the Presidential Administration was established,” and Mirziyoyeva was appointed to the job, presidential spokesman Sherzod Asadov said Monday. Asadov’s post on Telegram included a photo of Mirziyoyeva standing and acknowledging the applause of officials around a table. Mirziyoyeva has spoken in support of freedom of speech and women’s rights, issues that have sometimes run up against conservative culture and tight political controls in Uzbekistan. While her father, President Mirziyoyev, has pursued economic reforms and closer ties with international partners, OSCE observers said in a statement that there was a lack of political competition in legislative elections last year and the vote “did not offer voters a real choice.” Mirziyoyev, 67, has been president of Uzbekistan since 2016. He was re-elected in a 2023 vote after a constitutional amendment that reset the number of his terms in office and lengthened presidential terms from five to seven years.