Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in 2019

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (Kazakh: Қасым-Жомарт Кемелұлы Тоқаев; born 17 May 1953) is a Kazakhstani politician, serving since 20 March 2019 as the 2nd and current President of Kazakhstan.

Quotes

• There is no unified urban planning policy in the (capital) city (Nur-Sultan). This leads to chaotic, messy development in a number of areas.
  • Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (2019) cited in: "Kazakhstan: President voices frustration over problems in Nur-Sultan" in eurasianet, 9 October 2019.

• As president, I am obliged to protect the safety and well-being of our citizens, to ensure the unity of Kazakhstan.
  • Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (2022) cited in: "Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: “We Will Come Out of This Crisis Even Stronger”" in The Astana Times, 5 January 2022.

• I intend to act as tough as possible ... Together we will overcome this black period in the history of Kazakhstan.
  • Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (2022) cited in: "State of emergency in Kazakhstan as Tokayev asks CSTO's help" in Daily Sabah, 5 January 2022.

• The government (of Kazakhstan) will not fall (due to the ongoing fuel price hike protests), but we want mutual trust and dialog rather than conflict.
  • Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (2022) cited in: "Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev resigns following ongoing fuel price protests" in Express, 5 January 2022.

• Spontaneous rallies were used as a pretext for provoking civil unrest. Religious radicals, criminals, outright thugs, looters and petty hooligans filled the streets as if on cue. Socio-economic and socio-political demands were put on the back burner, they were forgotten. Next followed the hot phase, and armed fighters, who were biding their time, took over. The main goal of these events became clear – to undermine the constitutional system, destroy governance institutions and seize power. It is obvious now that these armed activities were coordinated from a single centre, and the carefully planned operation entered its decisive phase.
  • Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (2022) cited in: "Don’t Ignore All Sides of Russian Messaging" in The Cipher Brief, 18 January 2022.

• The month of Ramadan carries enduring moral values: humanity, compassion, mercy.
  • Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (2022) cited in: "President Tokayev Congratulates People on Beginning of Ramadan" in The Astana Times, 2 April 2022.