Tokayev sworn in as Kazakhstan's president
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev assumed the post of Kazakhstan's president on Wednesday, promising to continue the policies of veteran leader Nursultan Nazarbayev, who unexpectedly resigned a day earlier after three decades in power.
- World
- Compiled from news agencies
- Published Date: 12:14 | 20 March 2019
- Modified Date: 12:15 | 20 March 2019
Kazakhstan has sworn in Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as interim president a day after longtime leader Nursultan Nazarbayev resigned.
Tokayev, a career diplomat who had been senate speaker, can serve the remainder of Nazarbayev's term ahead of scheduled elections next year.
Nazarbayev surprised many by announcing in a televised address Tuesday that he would step down after nearly 30 years, making Tokayev only the second president in the country's independent history.
Nazarbayev attended Tokayev's inauguration Wednesday, entering to lengthy applause from assembled dignitaries before taking a seat on a podium above and behind the lectern where Tokayev gave an address.
Nazarbayev, whom Tokayev praised as "an outstanding reformer," will remain influential as chairman of the security council and head of the ruling party.