Oil topples government in Kazakhstan: Violent protests after fuel price hike; Emergency imposed, PM resigns
The government had to resign due to the ongoing violent protests in Kazakhstan over the hike in oil prices. Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Askar Mamin sent a resignation letter to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Wednesday, which was accepted. The President has also appointed Alikhan Samailov as caretaker prime minister.
Along with this, emergency has been imposed in the country from January 5 to January 19. Police also used tear gas along with lathi-charge to pacify the protesters.
According to media reports, the President said- I accept the resignation of the government under Article 70 of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The members of the present government will continue to perform their duties till the new government is formed. Apart from this, orders have also been given to consider giving subsidy to poor families.
Appeal to people to stay at home
During the Emergency in Kazakhstan, the sale of arms, ammunition and alcohol has been banned. Along with this, an appeal has been made to the common people to stay at home. The movement of vehicles has also been banned. The President has also announced curfew in the country’s financial capital Almaty and Mangistau from 11 pm to 7 am. The government has also been ordered to regulate oil prices in the country.
Movement started from Mangistau province
On Tuesday, the government removed the cap on the prices of LPG and handed it over to the companies. After this, oil prices rose sharply. Due to which large scale protests started in the country. The movement started from Mangistau province, after which protests started all over the country.
Regarding the violent protests, President Tokayev has said that attacking government offices is completely wrong. We want trust and dialogue between each other, not disputes.
Kazakhstan was part of the Soviet Union
Kazakhstan, which was part of the Soviet Union, declared itself a separate country in 1991. The people of Kazakhstan are already facing economic difficulties due to the Corona epidemic. When the fuel price was increased on Tuesday, the anger of the people increased further.
