Kazakhstan President accepts government's resignation amid protests over gas price hike

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has accepted resignation of government after three days of protests in country. people have been protesting against increase in energy prices. A decree issued by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on January 5 said that he has accepted resignation of government, reported RioFreeEurope Rio Liberty. 

President has also appointed  deputy Prime Minister, Alikhan Smailov, as new Prime Minister on an interim basis. According to decree, current members of government will perform ir duties until formation of a new government. In a separate order, Murat Nurtileu has been appointed as first deputy chairman of National Security Committee by President. Furrmore, President relieved Krymbek Kusherbaev from position of secretary of state. 

Emergency in Almaty, Mangystau and Zhanaozen

Kazakhstan President has declared a state of emergency in Almaty and Mangystau regions and Zhanaozen until January 19. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in a video dress to nation on January 4 insisted that government would not fall and ded that it sought “mutual trust and dialogue rar than conflict," reported RioFreeEurope Rio Liberty.  statement of President came after reports of security forces utilising stun grenes as people tried to enter mayor’s office in Almaty on January 4. As per news report, police used tear gas to disperse protesters on square after police cars were attacked. 

Protests in Kazakhstan over liquified gas prices

People of Kazakhstan held protests against  doubling of prices for liquified gas on Tuesday, 4 January, according to AP.  Protests started in Mangystau on January 2 over increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) price, as per news report. Protests which began in cities in west and have now spre through country and have been going on for last three days. On January 4, people gared in central squares of Zhanaozen and Aktau demanding lower gas prices. Police dispersed people in Almaty and even detained some of protesters. Police reportedly used tear gas to disperse protesters in Nur-Sultan. price of liquified gas has been increased to 120 tenges per litre in Kazakhstan. 

Inputs from AP

Image: AP