Significance of Kazakh government reshuffle.
In recent weeks, President Nursultan Nazarbayev has forced the resignation of his ministers, appointed a new government and announced a major welfare package targeting families. The immediate trigger for the shake-up seems to have been a house fire tragedy which amplified simmering discontent with inequality and poverty. By dismissing the cabinet, Nazarbayev sought to apportion blame and demonstrate his responsiveness to public concerns.
Merely shifting a few ministers around does not add up to a considered response to public unease.
Nazarbayev will keep everyone guessing with hints such as his recent query to the constitutional court about when presidents can resign.
Prime Minister Askar Mamin looks more like an expedient choice than a possible successor.
