Kazakhstan's Latest Political Reshuffle

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev reshuffled two of the country's top government posts Sept. 24. Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov has been made head of the presidential administration, replacing Aslan Musna, and First Deputy Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov has taken Massimov's former post. The moves come as Kazakhstan waits for signs of long-time leader Nazarbayev's succession plans.

Akhmetov's move to his new position is unlikely to disrupt the system Massimov put in place. However, Massimov's appointment as head of the presidential administration is a strong signal that a larger political shake-up could be on the horizon.