Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Kazakhstan President Appoints Top Adviser Erlan Karin Vice President
Kazakhstan’s president created a new vice presidency and chose Erlan Karin for the job.
Karin has been one of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s closest advisers since 2019.
The new position puts Karin first in line to become president if Tokayev leaves office.
Kazakhstan’s parliament quickly approved the appointment.
Parliament also approved the proposed reappointment of Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
The new vice presidency comes from a constitution adopted earlier this year.
Tokayev’s current term ends in 2029.
Kazakhstan’s Supreme Court says Tokayev may be allowed to run for another seven-year term.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev appointed longtime adviser Erlan Karin as Kazakhstan’s vice president.
The vice presidency was created under a new constitution adopted earlier this year.
Karin, who has advised Tokayev since 2019, is now first in line to succeed him.
Parliament approved Karin’s appointment and Tokayev’s proposal to reappoint Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
Tokayev’s current presidential term ends in 2029, and Kazakhstan’s Supreme Court says he can seek another seven-year term.
- Who
- Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev appointed adviser Erlan Karin as vice president and proposed reappointing Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
- What
- Karin became the country’s first vice president under a newly created constitutional office.
- When
- The appointments were announced on Monday, Aug. 31; Tokayev’s current term ends in 2029.
- Where
- Astana, Kazakhstan.
- Why
- The vice presidency was created under Kazakhstan’s new constitution and places Karin first in line to succeed Tokayev.
- Vice president
- Erlan Karin, a longtime adviser to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
- Vice presidency
- A new office created under Kazakhstan’s constitution adopted earlier this year.
- Karin’s age
- 50.
- Prime minister
- Olzhas Bektenov was proposed for reappointment and approved by parliament.
- Tokayev’s current term
- Ends in 2029.
- Potential future candidacy
- Kazakhstan’s Supreme Court says Tokayev is eligible to seek another seven-year presidential term.
- Parliament
- The appointments were approved by a legislature dominated by the pro-Tokayev Adilet party.