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Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Yomart Tokayev has accepted the resignation of the government with a presidential decree after the country got involved in a wave of mass protests over rising liquefied natural gas (LPG) prices.
“In accordance with Article 70 of the Republic of Kazakhstan, I decide to accept the resignation of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan,” said President Tokayev.
According to the decree, First Deputy Prime Minister Alihan Smailov has been appointed interim prime minister, Russian media reported RT. Although the decree takes effect immediately, cabinet members are expected to continue in office until a new government is formed.
As protests spread across the country earlier in the day, Tokayev declared a state of emergency in the city of Almaty and the oil-rich Mangystau region in the west between January 5-19 to maintain public safety. He also set up curfews in Almaty, the country’s former capital, where thousands of people had taken to the streets.
As police used tear gas and tear gas canisters to disperse the protesters, they responded with stones. Clashes between police and demonstrators were also reported, as well as vandalism and burning of police cars by protesters.
The government has also restricted access to social media applications including Facebook and Telegram.
Protests erupted on January 2 when drivers held demonstrations against rising LPG prices in the town of Zhanaozen in Mangystau, which later spread to the town of Aktau.
Protests in the western cities of Atyrau, Aktobe and Oral, where the country’s oil and natural gas reserves are located, spread to other parts of Kazakhstan, turning into public demonstrations.
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