Kazakhstan Names First Vice President in Three Decades

Kazakhstan has appointed Yerlan Karin as its first vice president since the position was abolished in 1996. Olzhas Bektenov has meanwhile been reappointed prime minister, Orda.kz reports.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev nominated both officials at a session of the newly elected Kurultai, Kazakhstan’s unicameral parliament. Deputies approved the nominations.

The vice presidency was restored under Kazakhstan’s new Constitution as part of a broader political overhaul. The vice president will work with parliament, represent the country when instructed by the president and perform other duties assigned by the head of state.

Karin previously served as state counsellor and, most recently, as first deputy head of the Presidential Administration.

Bektenov has led the government since 2024. His cabinet formally resigned when the new parliament took office but continued working until a new government was approved.

The appointments complete the first stage of forming Kazakhstan’s new political institutions following the replacement of its bicameral parliament with the 145-seat Kurultai.

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