Once again, Central Asian media are buzzing with speculation that the longtime leader of Kazakhstan has finally solidified his succession plans. On Sept. 11, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev promoted his eldest daughter, Dariga, to the post of deputy prime minister, suggesting to many that she is now his chosen successor.
Succession has been a hot topic for decades. At age 75, Nazarbayev exercises tight centralized control over the government, and his family plays a key role in maintaining power. For years, high oil prices made it easy for the Kazakh president to divide authority among his family and supporters. But Kazakhstan's economic slowdown has spurred a struggle among the elite, including some of Nazarbayev's own family members, over how to address the country's economic issues.
Rifts have appeared between government officials over the reform of labor laws, among other issues. Potential changes to the energy sector have elicited threats of protests from oil workers in Kazakhstan's western oil producing regions, leaving the government concerned that large-scale strikes could erupt. Internal disagreements and potential labor unrest are likely influential in Nazarbayev's promotion of his daughter, Dariga, to deputy prime minister. Dariga has long been a part of the Kazakh political system. She has led many of the pro-government political parties in parliament as well as state-run news agencies. Her elevation to this post is a signal of her strengthening influence over Kazakhstan's political structure. It could also put her in line to become the next prime minister — a role that may become more important if Kazakhstan follows through with its plans to shift to a parliamentary system. This would be an unprecedented change given the country's history of centralized rule.
