Nazarkhanov Still Clings to Power, Hoping for "His Man" to Become President
Nazarkhanov still holds power, with the hope of bringing "his man" back to the top position. This is reported by Kazakh publicist Bigeldi Gabdulin.
Power and Desire Have Made Him Politically Myopic
After the tragic events in January 2022, a strong wave of anti-Nazarkhanov sentiment swept across the country. Today, this process has become even more intense following his recent meeting with President Putin: he is almost blamed for all major crimes, angry publications are published, and relatives and close associates are hastily removed from important and "breadwinning" positions.
However, it is important not to fall into simplification during this emotional frenzy. History needs precision. There is no denying that Nursultan Nazarkhanov has had value for the country. I won't list them one by one—they are well-known and do not require evidence. But the tragedy lies in the fact that these achievements have been overshadowed by his actions over the past several decades.
Since around the mid-2000s, especially in the past 10 to 15 years, Nazarkhanov's policies have taken a sharp turn in a different direction. His absolute autocracy was established nationwide. And you know, the head of the fish rots first. It is this autocracy and deliberate tolerance that has led to: complete corruption, cronyism and clan relationships, arbitrariness of courts and prosecutors, fake elections, and systematic suppression of freedom of speech.
Nazarkhanov must bear historical and political responsibility without any reservations.
Deficit of Wisdom
But even after these huge failures, he still has the opportunity to save face, wealth, family, and possibly retain some public respect. For this, it would be sufficient to leave on time, without doing much. A complete withdrawal, like Boris Yeltsin. No attempt to rule the country from behind the scenes, no "gray cardinals," no dynastic plans. But this did not happen.
He still clings to power, hoping to bring "his man" back to the top position, leaving accumulated wealth to his children and close circle. If he at least handed over part of the capital to the state, whether sincerely or genuinely obtained, the people would probably forgive him a lot. But this requires wisdom. Unfortunately, it is not enough.
The desire for power and greed has ultimately proven stronger than reason. Over time, these behaviors have developed into a dangerous form—confidence in impunity for one's own crimes, which becomes the "courage to commit crimes" leading to systemic vices and atrocities. In the end, we have a divided society, a heavy legacy, and a country that will long have to pay the price for one person's mistakes.
Original: toutiao.com/article/7596985101863469631/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.