Born on March 2, 1952 in Georgievka
village, Zharminsky region, Semipalatinsk area. Came of a family of teachers. Kazakh by
nationality.
Graduated from Semipalatinsk Pedagogical Institute (1969-1974) and
Almaty Institute for National Economy (1985).
Got PhD in Economic Sciences; Member of International Academy of
Management. Has a command of 4 languages. The author of publicist book "Kazakhstan:
the right to choose" (1998) and a number of monographs in economics.
In 1974 worked as a teacher at Semipalatinsk secondary school. In 1976
was called up for military service. Served on the Semipalatinsk Region Department of KGB
(State Security Committee).
From 1979 worked for the Party and Soviet executive bodies in
Semipalatinsk.
In 1987 became a student of Officers’ Training Courses of the USSR
KGB High School (Moscow). In June, 1989 retired from KGB.
In 1989, come back to Kazakhstan and got involved in business. In 1990, Director General
of "Semei" Versatile Industrial Complex. In a short period "Semei"
became one of the most fast developing private enterprises in Kazakhstan. |
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In 1991, resumed working for governmental bodies. In
1992-1993, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee of Semipalatinsk Regional Soviet of
People's Deputies; Deputy Head of Semipalatinsk Region Administration.
In June, 1992 also elected a Chairman of Entrepreneurs Council under
the auspices of the President of Republic of Kazakhstan. Took part in the development of a
number of bills in the field of economy.
In July, 1993 became a public politician of the republican scope.
Nominated himself and was elected a deputy to the Supreme Soviet of Republic of
Kazakhstan. The key points of his election manifesto were democratization of the political
system, liberal economic reforms, and fight against crime.
In December 1993, appointed the First Vice Chairman of the Cabinet of
Kazakhstan.
In October, 1994, appointed Prime Minister of Republic of Kazakhstan
During his time in office (1994-1997), Kazakhstan turned into the
country with a stable national currency, low inflation, independent financial and banking
system, growing gold exchange reserve and large private sector economy. In the three
years, Kazhegeldin's Government put in force privatization of major objects of Kazakhstan
industry, attracted billion-dollar foreign investments to the country's economy. Domestic
capital strengthened its positions; the foundation for stock market was laid.
Kazhegeldin's success won him credit both in the CIS countries and in the West. In 1996,
Adam Smith Institute awarded Kazhegeldin a Title "Reformer of the Year".
In fall 1997, Kazhegeldin resigned from the Prime Minister position on
his own initiative. He is writing a book, goes abroad by invitations of foreign public
organizations, consults international financial institutions.
In March 1998, Kazhegeldin was elected a President of the Union of
Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan. Owing to his popularity abroad, he was a
success in obtaining grants to fund a number of Kazakhstan humanitarian programs, e.g.
support of small- and medium-size business, anti-tuberculosis program, secondary schools
computerization. On his initiative, "Rodina" ("The Motherland")
Charity Foundation was established.
In this period, the difference in political opinions of Akezhan
Kazhegeldin and President Nazarbaev revealed themselves. In summer 1998, the book
"Kazakhstan: the right to choose" was published in Almaty. In the book the
author criticizes the existing political system of the country. Kazhegeldin called for
building a civil society, for elective and dative authority, wide public participation in
state decision making, independence of courts, and mass media freedom. He also formulated
the necessity for transition from "gentle authoritarianism" to a full-value
democracy.
In September, 1998, on Kazhegeldin's order and in association with the
Kazakhstan 21st Century Foundation draft amendments to the Constitution were worked out
along with a draft law on elections in Republic of Kazakhstan. However the initiative was
not supported by the authorities. Soon the decision on snap presidential election was
taken by the President and the Parliament. At the same time a number of amendments
violating democracy standards was made to the Constitution.
Kazhegeldin protested against these steps by resigning from the post of
the President of Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan and from the post
of the freelance Presidential Advisor for Economic Issues.
On October 8, Akezhan Kazhegeldin officially announced his intention to
stand up for 1999 Presidential elections. According to sociologists, high political rating
of ex-premier enabled him to compete successfully with Nazarbaev.
In response to his decision, the authorities started unprecedented
campaign against Kazhegeldin. They used every means: from attempts to discredit him to an
attempt upon his life. In October 1998. Almaty Medeusky District Court imposed a fine upon
Kazhegeldin for his attendance at Constituent Assembly of the movement "For Honest
Election". Upon the court ruling Kazhegeldin was not allowed to register with the
Central Election Commission of Republic of Kazakhstan.
Barred from election campaign, Kazhegeldin is still one of the most
famous Kazakhstan politicians. On his initiative the Congress of Democratic Forces
Republic of Kazakhstan was held in Moscow in December 1998. By the Congress’ resolution
Republican People's Party of Kazakhstan (RPPK) was set up.
On December 17, 1998, Akezhan Kazhegeldin was elected a Chairman of
RPPR by the resolution of the RPPK Constituent Congress hold in Almaty. |
