Askhat Oralov Takes Post in Mangystau, Analyst Weighs In

Askhat Oralov, a native of Pavlodar and former Minister of Culture who also worked in the Presidential Administration, has been appointed to the staff of the Mangystau region’s akim. The decision may seem unexpected, but political analyst Gaziz Abishev believes the region needs precisely such managers, Orda.kz reports.

Oralov is described as a “field-type” leader, able not only to work behind a desk but also to engage directly with people.

Oralov’s first language is Kazakh, and he masters the popular style. Rolling up his sleeves, he knows how to work with people — sometimes conciliatory, sometimes in justified confrontation. In other words, not everyone dares to go out to an angry crowd of men and discuss the current situation. Oralov can. At one time he demonstrated such readiness, Abishev wrote on his Telegram channel.

During the January events, Oralov already showed he could operate in crisis conditions.

Mangystau, Abishev stressed, is approaching a structural crisis. Oil fields are depleting, production costs are high, demographics are rapidly growing, and social expectations are serious. The ability to mobilize politically, combined with the region’s distant location, is also a significant factor.

According to the analyst, Oralov’s appointment to Mangystau can be seen both as a challenge and as an opportunity.

The region requires special attention. It is not enough to send ribbon-cutters there, but concrete managers capable of keeping the situation under control. For those who can cope with such a region, this becomes a serious school and a new springboard. The demand for real governance experience will always be higher than ceremonial demand,  Abishev concluded.

Before the January events, Oralov served as deputy akim of Astana under Altai Kulginov. In February 2022, he was appointed executive secretary of Nur Otan (now AMANAT), part of the party’s transformation after Nursultan Nazarbayev handed over the leadership to Qasym-Jomart Toqayev.

While working in AMANAT, Oralov met with entrepreneurs affected during the January unrest, inspected damaged small and medium-sized businesses, and discussed issues of compensation and recovery.

A year ago, experts speculated that social tensions in Mangystau were the reason Magzum Mirzagaliyev resigned as chair of KazMunayGas. After his departure, the region also saw the replacement of its entire security and law enforcement leadership.

Authorities had expected him, in cooperation with law enforcement, to extinguish sources of discontent and cope with constant labor strikes demanding better conditions and higher wages.

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina