The Kazakh Lion in winter
Kazakhstan’s former long-time leader is approaching a landmark birthday. But he is resisting any temptation to mark it with a comeback
Nursultan Nazarbayev, the builder of modern Kazakhstan, is successfully recovering from a bout of Covid-19, his associates say, as his 80th birthday fast approaches next week. And he is already preparing to help his country pull through its next big challenge: diversifying revenue away from hydrocarbons amid a global economy decimated by the virus and with huge dents in its demand for oil and gas. But the political veteran, who stepped down as president last year but retains the symbolic title of ‘first president’ (and continues to serve as chairman of Kazakhstan’s security council), has no plans to formally return to power, a senior Kazakh official tells Petroleum Economist. Rumours of str
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
