WHAT LED KAZAKHSTAN TO THE JANUARY PROTESTS IN 2022? REAL CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This thesis examines the political, economic, and legal decisions of the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan since independence, which led to political stagnation and mass protests throughout the country. Mass protests in January 2022 have clearly shown the real gap between the government and people. The protesters, who at first asked for a reduction in gas prices, began to demand the resignation of the government. This was facilitated by the foreign and domestic policy of the government. In particular, this includes the irremovability of power, a high level of corruption, stagnation in development in the social spheres, and other reasons that led to the impoverishment of the population. The constitutional amendments, along with high-profile cases, proved the political dependence of the parliament and the courts on the President. The one-party system of government with a permanent leader did not stand up to criticism, so the development of democratic institutions, the opposition, and freedom of speech was often persecuted. Some political changes have been made as a result of the protests, but the main power of influence still remains in the hands of certain individuals. Unfortunately, the first President Nazarbayev and his associates, who went through the Soviet political school and life, failed to build democracy in Kazakhstan. There are some positive developments, but many issues have not yet been resolved. Will Kazakhstan be able to get out of this situation and what needs to be done for this? The thesis considers possible developing ways of the political situation as well as makes recommendations to improve the current situation and avoid the previous mistakes.