NUR-SULTAN, September 5 — Kazakhstan completed the formation of its first government under the new unicameral Kurultai parliament on September 3, marking the end of more than three decades of bicameralism. The 145-member Kurultai, which began work on August 28, approved Olzhas Bektenov as prime minister on August 31 with 137 votes in favor, seven abstentions, and none against. The government had resigned on August 28 following the Kurultai’s election, with ministers serving in an acting capacity until the new cabinet was formed.
The new cabinet reflects strong continuity in the core economic team. Nurlуbek Nalibayev remains first deputy prime minister.
Serik Zhumangarin continues to combine the roles of deputy prime minister and minister of national economy, while Kanat Bozumbayev remains deputy prime minister. Zhaslan Madiyev retained his dual role as deputy prime minister and minister of artificial intelligence and digital development. Madi Takiyev continues to head the Finance Ministry, Yersayin Nagaspayev the Ministry of Industry and Construction, and Arman Shakkaliyev the Ministry of Trade and Integration.
Yerlan Akkenzhenov remains energy minister at a difficult time for Kazakhstan’s oil sector, which in 2026 faced repeated disruptions to exports through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, the main route carrying Kazakh oil through Russia to the Black Sea. Nurlan Sauranbayev continues overseeing transport, having previously spent four years heading Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, the national railway company.
Aidarbek Saparov remains agriculture minister, and Nurzhan Nurzhigitov is staying on as minister of water resources and irrigation, responsible for transboundary water issues. Galymzhan Koishybayev retained his position as deputy prime minister and chief of staff of the government, a role he has held since January 2023. The main security ministries also retained their leaders: Dauren Kosanov as defense minister, Yerzhan Sadenov as interior minister, and Yerlan Sarsembayev as justice minister.
Changes occurred at the foreign, culture and information, ecology, and emergency situations ministries. On September 2, Mukhtar Tleuberdi returned as foreign minister, a post he previously held from 2019 to 2023, replacing Yermek Kosherbayev, who had served less than a year. Arman Kyrykbayev was appointed minister of culture and information, replacing Aida Balayeva after she moved to deputy chair of the Security Council.
Alibek Kuantyrov returned as minister of ecology and natural resources, having previously headed the Ministry of National Economy. Murat Mukhanov was appointed minister of emergency situations, replacing Chingis Arinov.
The procedure for forming the government has changed: the Kurultai gives consent to the president’s nominee for prime minister, the prime minister submits candidates for government posts to the president following consultations with the Kurultai, and the president appoints the ministers of foreign affairs, defense, and internal affairs independently. Aibek Dadebay was elected the Kurultai’s first chairman.
