Berik Zhagiparov: “The next two-three months a lot of things will be defined in Kazakhstan!”

In Kazakhstan two subjects stirred up the society: at first started talking that it is necessary to change the state name, and then suddenly there was the devaluation of the tenge which has painfully struck on purses of citizens.

The known public and trade-union figure, the editor-in-chief of the forbidden «Youth newspaper» Berik Zhagiparov commented on a situation at our request:

- The president of Kazakhstan has assistants; they act with any ideas all the time. They explain that the name of the country causes association with such countries as Afghanistan and Pakistan, and as a result Kazakhstan in the world is perceived as the country like these two … Here also there is an offer the country to rename!

And Nazarbayev told so: «In the name of our country there is a termination «stan», as well as at other states of Central Asia. At the same time the foreigners show interest to Mongolia … thus in its name there is no termination «stan» … Probably, it is necessary to consider over time a question of transition to the name of our country «Kazak eli"

— And what is better the new name?

- I don’t think that it is better, but after all there is as though more patriotism in it, it is more than understanding for the population … It can be translated into Russian as «country of Kazakhs». And the derivation from pressing problems is very good thing for population! We have an experience in this respect: We already held Asian games, now want to hold the World Fair EXPO-2017 and the Winter Olympic Games in Alma-Ata in 2022.

From what it is necessary to distract attention? From the same devaluation which shook all country.

- It appeared very unexpected …

- The people will feel all consequences during literally the couple of the next months. While many argue so: all right, we will outlive, after all we are live-healthy … But while there are stocks! And when it would be necessary to pay the credits which gathered much? As the half-salaries of people will be taken back! How they will feel then? What will be their reaction?

In my opinion the decision on devaluation was lobbied by our oligarchs who get profit on export. For example, «Kazakhmys». They take out the raw materials demanded in the world market, sell it for dollars, and at home pay a salary in tenge … Such companies have, of course, lobbyists both in parliament, and in power structures — they are capable to lobby the necessary decision. Purely capitalist approach!

- Reaction of the population happens different. We can remember the same Zhanaozen …

- I would like to note two moments which I consider sign.

Firstly, the young people who are absolutely far from policy came to an action. They even have no accounts in Facebook … They don’t participate in any social networks. And here they began to participate in actions. It is possible to tell, we have a handful of people who arrange various actions. Usually 30−40 people gather, it is no more. And there were at once 200 people for protest action against devaluation! And many noticed this fact and reflected.

And, secondly, those who are today from 20 to 30 years and who participates in actions, not only proved to be, but also gain experience. It means that they can appear in policy soon.

- In 2016 in Kazakhstan presidential elections are coming. And all excites, whether Nursultan Nazarbayev will go to new term who, generally, is not so young.

- I have to notice that elections never passed in time in Kazakhstan! And many experts believe, as the upcoming presidential election will take place not in 2016, but a year earlier.

I believe that the president Nazarbayev will train the successor this time for himself. Probably, difficult decisions are made right now, as they say, to cause fire — then it will be easier for successor to begin.

I don’t know, what advice is given to the president by his environment, but among considered options there is also such: to put any politician as the president, and most to remain the leader of the nation. That is, to leave the real power in the hands.

I think that it is quite realized model in present conditions, but it is necessary to understand that the people don’t want that! And therefore it seems to me that such plan won’t be managed to be realized well.

— Generally, the options are possible. But the ruling elite has no special time for thoughts, isn’t it?

- There is such rather popular expression about politicians who leave soon — «lame duck». In my opinion we already observe a syndrome «lame duck» today. And in Nursultan Nazarbayev’s environment understand that on the following elections he won’t be the strong player any more. But after all they have something to lose! In Nazarbayev’s environment there are people who have serious finance, and they, certainly, don’t want them to lose. And they have to protect them somehow … Here the scenario will be developed.

In summary, I want to share the supervision — in my opinion, it very precisely characterizes a changing situation in Kazakhstan. If earlier when someone came for meetings — he was prisoned, today there will be a penalty of 5−10 thousand tenge (1−2 thousand rubles). Security officers understand that the clamps can’t be put. And if wanted, so there are already no opportunities.

Generally, the next two-three months a lot of things will be defined how Kazakhstan will be developed in the next years.