Tokayev - The Times Of Central Asia

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Time Zone Turmoil: Kazakhstan’s Shift Sparks Backlash and Political Action

Kazakhstan is preparing to put an end to a year-long debate over its transition to a single time zone (UTC+5). However, opposition to the change has evolved beyond public discontent. Critics, including well-known public figures, are now considering the creation of a political party with the goal of overturning what they argue is one of the most unpopular government decisions in the country’s history. Even a year later, many citizens remain unconvinced of the benefits of the time zone shift, while the government continues to defend it with unwavering determination. Origins of the Controversy Discussions about adopting a single time zone in Kazakhstan have surfaced multiple times over the years. In 2021, the proposal failed to gain widespread approval. However, in the fall of 2023, a clutch of parliamentary deputies once again pushed for unifying the country’s time zones, citing public requests and scientific studies. Supporters of the transition argued that a single time zone would eliminate time barriers between regions, improve transport coordination and business operations, and enhance government and emergency service interactions. Advocates also referred to the Barcelona Declaration on Time Policy (adopted in October 2022), which suggests that maintaining permanent time zones aligned with solar time is beneficial for health, the economy, and safety. Additionally, they pointed out that 175 countries operate within a single time zone, whereas only 22 nations use multiple zones. Despite earlier resistance, the government proceeded with the change. At midnight on March 1, 2024, Kazakhstan moved its clocks one hour back, effectively adopting UTC+5, barring a few regions. Public Backlash and the Petition Movement The reaction was swift. On April 22, 2024, an online petition titled "Return the Time Back" appeared, addressed to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and key ministers, including those responsible for energy, health, and labor. The petition was also directed to the head of KazNII Oncology and Radiology, though the reason for this remains unclear. Petition organizers listed several negative effects of the time change: Increased darkness during morning and evening hours, impacting public safety and economic activity. Disruptions to biological rhythms leading to fatigue, reduced productivity, and poorer sleep quality. Economic losses, as changes in daylight hours affected certain industries. The petition quickly gathered over 50,000 signatures, compelling the government and parliament to formally consider the issue. On June 21, 2024, an initial public hearing took place, where opponents of the time zone shift voiced their concerns. However, after three rounds of discussions, no changes were made, and Kazakhstan remained in UTC+5. Renewed Opposition in Parliament Despite the government's firm stance, opposition to the change resurfaced in September 2024 when deputies returning from summer recess reported that the time zone issue was the most frequently raised concern among voters. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov reaffirmed that the decision was final but instructed the Ministry of Health to conduct a three-year study on the impact of UTC+5 on public health. This announcement only fueled opposition claims that the transition was an unwarranted experiment affecting 15 million citizens, the number of people...

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Bulgarian Spy Ring Attempted to Threaten Kazakh President’s Western Ties

A spy cell in the UK, including five Bulgarian nationals, targeted multiple individuals and locations over nearly three years, according to court documents at the Old Bailey, officially known as the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales. The Bulgarian nationals had stood accused of spying for Russia at the behest of the fugitive Jan Marsalek, the former COO of Wirecard, described by prosecutors as “believed to be linked to the Russian state”. The trial centered around thousands of sinister messages between Marsalek and Bulgarian national Orlin Roussev, who compared himself to the fictional character of ‘Q’ from the James Bond movies, and his “team leader” Bizer Dzhambazov, who managed the other three defendants, all belittlingly referred to as “the minions”. Roussev and Dzhambazov had pleaded guilty to their role in the spy ring prior to the trial. [caption id="attachment_29626" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] The Central Criminal Court of England and Wales; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] The story has all the hallmarks of a Hollywood script: gadgets, beautiful women, and dozens of fake IDs used to rent cars and properties across Europe for various operations. The defendants plotted espionage, psyops, and disinformation campaigns, and even kidnapping and murder, some of which were partially carried out in the UK and across continental Europe, including in Germany, Austria, and Spain, as well as other locations. Messages presented to the court indicate that, beyond their alleged collaboration with the Russian FSB, the gang operated as mercenaries for any party willing to pay. The Bulgarians devised schemes appealing to their purported connections in Russia, Kazakhstan, Serbia, China, Malaysia, and Colombia. Germane to Central Asia, the spy ring engaged in a range of covert activities targeting Kazakhstan. In 2021, they botched a surveillance operation against Bergey Ryskaliyev, a long-time adversary of former President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Ryskaliyev, the former governor of Kazakhstan’s Atyrau region, fled to London after being accused of embezzling hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars and was sentenced in absentia to 17 years in prison for leading an organized criminal group. Targeting Kazakhstan’s President By 2022, the group’s efforts had escalated into an elaborate scheme to influence Western government officials to impose punitive measures against Nazarbayev’s successor, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The plan began with the creation of an entity designed to lend legitimacy to a fabricated grassroots opposition movement, the inception of which was discussed in Telegram chats between Marsalek and Roussev. “If you have a preferred name… otherwise I will use my imagination and historical facts from the past centuries. Also… how about for the fake company or real company that we register to use some Chess terms…”, Marsalek suggested with regards to naming the NGO. To which Roussev replied: “Let's call it ‘Truth on the Steppes Publishing Ltd.’” The duo would later refer to the entity as “TOTS”. Marsalek agreed, saying, “UK… will be done in a few days… that one I will register tomorrow - UK company ‘Truth on the Steppes Publishing Ltd.’” Shortly after, "Truth on the Steppes Publishing Ltd"...

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Tokayev Outlines Economic Reforms and Calls for Revised Energy Contracts

On January 28, Kazakhstan's capital Astana hosted an expanded government meeting led by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The event focused on the country's socio-economic development in 2024, but this year’s discussion carried broader implications, addressing both domestic and international concerns. Addressing Budget Constraints From the outset, Tokayev made it clear that a key issue for his government is the state budget’s financial shortfall. Analyst Gaziz Abishev noted on his Telegram channel that the problem is not just a lack of funds but a long-standing habit - dating back to 2003 - of addressing challenges by simply increasing spending. “There is no longer an oil windfall to revitalize the dry economy as there was 20 years ago,” Abishev wrote. Adding to the uncertainty, Kazakhstan’s oil revenues face potential disruption from Donald Trump’s stated intention to drive down global hydrocarbon prices. Tokayev outlined a range of measures to fill budget gaps, urging his government to take bold, unconventional steps. He called on officials to act in the country’s best interests without fear of pressure from the Anti-Corruption Service or public opinion. He also stressed the importance of depoliticizing economic partnerships, particularly with Russia and China, cautioning against allowing Russophobic or Sinophobic rhetoric to interfere with business deals. “Money must be attracted from abroad, and this is more important than ever. Without investment, we cannot sustain ourselves. Money doesn’t smell, but it disappears. We need to attract investment from all sides - within the law - without falling into populism. The future of the national economy, and to some extent the country as a whole, is at stake,” Abishev commented. Public Reaction to Tax Reforms Although tax reform was only the sixth of eight key points in Tokayev’s speech, it quickly became the most widely discussed issue among the public. Kazakhstan’s value-added tax (VAT) is currently 12%, with a sufficiency threshold of 78 million tenge ($150,937). The government is considering raising the VAT rate to 20% and lowering the sufficiency threshold to 15 million tenge ($29,026). If implemented, nearly all small businesses would become VAT payers, while the increased tax rate is expected to drive inflation. The government maintains that inflation will not exceed 4.5%, but Tokayev’s mention of “belt-tightening” has already led many to expect rising retail prices. To offset the burden on businesses, the government proposes eliminating mandatory employer pension contributions and reducing the social tax. However, Tokayev himself expressed reservations about cutting the social tax, emphasizing that regional governors (akims) need financial incentives. “Think again. I believe it would be wrong to deprive akims of incentives, especially financial ones. After all, the regions are the country. Find a solution. We will meet again to discuss these issues,” he told the government. The tax reforms will also be debated in Parliament, where the lower house is currently reviewing the draft of the new Tax Code. The government will have to negotiate with members of the Majilis and Senate over the VAT rate, sufficiency threshold, and other sensitive issues. Messages to Foreign Partners...

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Tokayev on Kazakhstan’s Future: Reforms, Diplomacy, and Global Leadership

In an interview with the Kazakh newspaper Ana Tili, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed pressing domestic and international policy issues shaping Kazakhstan's development. Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s role as a stabilizing force in the international arena during a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. “My main goal is to strengthen the economic potential, sovereignty, and international position of our state. From the very beginning of my presidency, I have taken full responsibility for the decisions I make and their consequences. I cannot and do not want to work any other way,” Tokayev stated. [caption id="attachment_27253" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Image: Akorda[/caption] Reflecting on Qantar - Building a Just Kazakhstan Tokayev addressed the January 2022 unrest - Qantar - describing the upheaval as a consequence of deep-rooted social injustice and political stagnation. “Three years after Qantar, most of our citizens understand that the unprecedented unrest was driven by social inequality, political stagnation, and the self-serving ambitions of the conspirators,” Tokayev said, warning against the spread of misinformation surrounding the events and emphasized that decisive action was necessary to preserve Kazakhstan’s sovereignty. Tokayev reiterated his commitment to creating a fairer Kazakhstan where all citizens are equal before the law. “Justice is not universal equalization. My course on the fair distribution of national wealth does not mean total expropriation or redistribution of property and assets. Such a policy would lead to degradation and chaos. Instead, we aim to eliminate illegal privileges and return unlawfully acquired assets to the state as part of our modernization strategy,” the president said. Relations with Nazarbayev While acknowledging the achievements of Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan’s first president, Tokayev also critiqued certain aspects of his leadership. “After resigning but remaining chairman of the Security Council, he often held meetings with key officials, creating confusion and sparking rumors of dual power. This situation led some to claim that the Elbasy Institute should supersede presidential authority,” Tokayev noted. He further revealed that Nazarbayev had considered returning to power in 2021, citing his strong ties to Moscow. Advancing Political Reforms and International Relations Tokayev pointed to the successful implementation of key political reforms, emphasizing greater openness and the activation of public participation. “The concept of ‘Strong President, Influential Parliament, Accountable Government’ best suits Kazakhstan’s political system. However, achieving this fully requires sustained effort,” Tokayev explained, reaffirming his belief that a presidential system remains the optimal governance model for Kazakhstan. Tokayev also elaborated on relations with major powers, including Russia, China, and the United States, underscoring the importance of Kazakhstan’s partnership with Russia, highlighting their shared border and deep economic ties. “President Putin is an experienced statesman who values Kazakhstan’s strategic importance as Central Asia’s largest economy. Our constant communication fosters stability in Eurasia,” Tokayev said. He described Kazakhstan’s cooperation with China as dynamic and multifaceted, elevating their relationship to the level of an "eternal strategic partnership." Tokayev also mentioned his conversation with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, noting Trump’s positive view of Kazakhstan as a strategic partner. Nuclear Power Plans, Middle Powers and Global Stability On nuclear energy, Tokayev...

Russia Nazarbayev Court Cases Great Britain Tokayev Criminal Responsibility

Tinker, Tailor, Kazakh Ties: UK Spy Trial Reveals Moscow’s Long Shadow in Kazakh Politics

London's Central Criminal Court, known as the Old Bailey, is currently hearing the trial of several Bulgarian nationals accused by the British authorities of spying for Russia’s intelligence services. The case is likely being scrutinized not only in Moscow but also in Astana, as at least two of the six alleged operations relate to Kazakhstan. A Favor for Nazarbayev The defendants, five Bulgarian citizens, are accused of planning six espionage operations, one of which centers around Bergey Ryskaliyev, a former senior Kazakh official during the presidency of Nursultan Nazarbayev.The accused filmed Ryskaliyev in his London home and plotted to alternately dress up as DHL or Deliveroo drivers, or use a fake ambulance as a cover to access his premises. Ryskaliyev served as akim of the oil-rich Atyrau region from 2006 to 2012, before leaving Kazakhstan amid serious corruption allegations. Both he and his brother Amanzhan - an ex-deputy of the Mazhilis - have been wanted in their homeland for over a decade, facing charges of large-scale corruption, organized crime, false entrepreneurship, and money laundering. Public opinion in Kazakhstan attributes the Ryskaliyev brothers’ prosecution to their alleged involvement in the December 2011 Zhanaozen uprising. According to reports, the uprising was intended to culminate in Nazarbayev’s resignation through a symbolic “march to Astana.” By the summer of 2012, Nazarbayev seemed wary of Ryskaliyev, publicly thanking him for his service during a visit to Atyrau. Shortly after, Ryskaliyev resigned for "health reasons,” while Amanzhan stepped down as a Mazhilis deputy. The brothers remained in hiding for years, with their lawyers claiming in a 2019 trial that their whereabouts were unknown. However, reports later surfaced that Ryskaliyev had filmed and leaked a video of Nazarbayev in London’s Hyde Park, allegedly using it to blackmail the former president. Ryskaliyev denied this, characterizing his actions as a “small rally” outside Nazarbayev’s residence. Despite these allegations, Kazakhstan’s Supreme Court ruled in 2020 to return some of Ryskaliyev’s confiscated assets, including land, money, and shares in various companies, and to reverse property seizures which had affected their spouses. Prosecutors in the London trial allege that Ryskaliyev’s case was part of an operation to foster stronger ties between Moscow and Astana, with Russia suggesting that Kazakhstan might benefit from pursuing him. If accurate, this initiative likely predated January 2022, when Nazarbayev retained significant influence despite stepping down as president. Targeting Tokayev? The second alleged operation appears to have been directed at Kazakhstan’s current president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Prosecutors claim the defendants planned a staged protest outside Kazakhstan’s embassy in London in September 2022, intending to pass information about the “organizers” to the Kazakh authorities. This, they argue, was another effort to bolster Russian-Kazakh relations. However, details reported by Germany’s Der Spiegel suggest a more specific objective. According to the report, the FSB instructed the operatives to stage a protest and send a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, ostensibly from a fabricated group critical of Tokayev. Plans also included splashing fake blood or pig’s blood on the...

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Tokayev Arrives on State Visit to France

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited France on November 4-5, at the invitation of his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. During the visit, high-level talks were held to strengthen cooperation in trade, economic, investment, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. In addition, Tokayev met with representatives of French business circles. French media also covered the visit. Le Monde noted that the talks between Tokayev and Macron focused on expanding economic ties and discussing joint projects in energy and infrastructure. Le Figaro emphasized the importance of cultural exchange between the two countries, mentioning plans to hold joint cultural events in the coming years. Kazakhstani officials said Tokayev's visit to France strengthened bilateral relations and opened new prospects for cooperation in various fields. On the eve of his visit, Tokayev published an article in the French newspaper Le Figaro titled “Kazakhstan is a strategic and reliable partner for France.” In the article, he outlined the main areas of cooperation with France and emphasized Kazakhstan's role in international diplomacy. Tokayev noted that global challenges such as climate change and migration require updated approaches to international cooperation. He highlighted the role of “middle powers,” of which Kazakhstan is one, in promoting global stability, emphasizing the country's commitment to a balanced foreign policy and support for peacekeeping efforts. Tokayev also expressed Kazakhstan's interest in cooperating with France in the fields of rare earth metals mining, development of “green” energy, and nuclear industry. He added that the upcoming referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan will open up opportunities to strengthen Europe's energy security. Last year, these areas were discussed during Macron's visit to Astana. In addition, he emphasized Kazakhstan's role in ensuring Europe's energy security through the Middle Corridor project, which links Asia and Europe. In conclusion, he expressed confidence in promising cooperation with France to achieve global stability and prosperity. The leaders of Kazakhstan and France met in Astana precisely one year ago, in November 2023. Then Tokayev called the visit of Macron to Kazakhstan historic. At the enlarged meeting, Tokayev specified that, one-on-one, the leaders identified several priority areas for future cooperation, including energy, critical raw materials, renewable energy, transit, agriculture, and health care. At the same time, the French leader invited Tokayev to Paris in 2024. After his visit to Paris, Tokayev will travel to Kyrgyzstan on November 6 to attend the XI Summit of the Organization of Turkic States. The central theme of the OTS summit will be “Strengthening the Turkic World: Economic Integration, Sustainable Development, Digital Future, and Security for All.”