Recently, an insider informed the publication Respublika.kz.media that Aset Irgaliev, who is currently the head of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan and an advisor to the second president, may take the position of vice president and eventually become the successor to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
It is worth noting that on June 18, 2026, he will turn 40 years old — the required age for a presidential candidate.
One of the key changes in the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan proposed by Tokayev is the introduction of the position of vice president. We have already explained why this decision was made in previous materials, and now we want to share the insider's opinion on who might occupy this new position.
It should be noted that the potential candidates for the future vice president's post are quite significant — Tokayev's political will here is practically unlimited.
During discussions of the draft of the new Constitution, the names of high-ranking state figures were often mentioned, such as State Advisor Erlan Karin, speakers of the chambers of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Maulen Ashimbayev and Erlan Koshanov, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektanov, and the head of the presidential administration Aibek Dadabay. However, the name Aset Irgaliev was not mentioned in these discussions.
Key facts about Aset Irgaliev
For the convenience of readers, we provide his official biography, posted on the agency's website.
Aset Irgaliev was born on June 18, 1986, in Kostanay.
In 2008, he graduated from the Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics and Strategic Research (KIMEP), obtaining a bachelor's degree in public policy economics. Also in that year, through an international exchange program, he graduated from the International Business School in Jönköping, Sweden, with a Bachelor of Science degree in International Economics.
In 2009, he completed his studies at York University, and in 2010 at the University of Nottingham in the UK, earning a Master's degree in Economics.
From September 2010 to January 2013, Aset worked as a regional analyst for Eastern Europe and the Caucasus in the Economic Department of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in London.
From January 2013 to June 2016, he held the positions of Vice President and Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC "Institute of Economic Research" of the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
From October to December 2016 — advisor to the chairman of the board of JSC "National Holding "Baiterek".
From December 2016 to August 2017 — advisor to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
From August 2017 to September 2018 — head of the Project Management Center of the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
From September 2018 to March 2019 — Vice Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
From March to August 2019 — Deputy Head of the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
From August 2019 to January 2021 — First Vice Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
From January 2021 to January 2022 — Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
From January 2022 to September 2023 — Chairman of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
From September 2023 to May 2024 — Assistant to the President on Economic Issues.
From May 2024 to February 2025 — Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the World Trade Organization and international economic organizations.
Since February 28, 2025 — Chairman of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Since February 2, 2026 — Advisor to the President, Chairman of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Awarded the "Eren enbegi ushyn" medal.
As can be seen, Aset Irgaliev has a high level of education, including studies in Sweden and the UK. He also speaks several languages: Kazakh, Russian, English, and German, although this important aspect was not mentioned in his official biography.
A close person to Tokayev
Irgaliev has already made an impressive career, becoming an advisor to the Prime Minister at the age of 30 and Minister of National Economy at 34. Since January 2022, when Tokayev began the process of eliminating dual power in the country, Irgaliev has changed five positions, all of which were appointed by presidential decrees. This indicates that Tokayev highly values Irgaliev as an economist and manager.
According to the insider, Aset Irgaliev is ideally suited for the position of vice president, as he will be able to manage the government and the implementation of state policy, allowing Tokayev to focus on foreign policy and representative duties.
This version is supported by Irgaliev's biography and his closeness to Tokayev, as well as, according to some rumors, to influential relatives.
Education and work abroad
Despite attempts to learn more about Aset Irgaliev, there is not much information available. It is known that in 1993 he lost his father, who died in a car accident. He was raised by his mother, Asyl Kudaybergenkyzy, an accountant by profession, who holds a "professional accountant" certificate.
His mother's work in institutions such as the "Kazakhstan Institute of Oil and Gas" and LLP "KazMunayGas Engineering" suggests that she could provide her son with a good education, although Irgaliev himself claims he studied on grants.
He began his education in primary school in the village of Voznesenko, then continued his studies in Makinsk, and in high school attended a capital city lyceum with an in-depth study of chemistry and biology.
In an interview, he shares how he received his education in the UK and began his career in London, where he worked in one of the largest financial centers in the world:
“I studied at the University of Nottingham, and when my studies were coming to an end, I decided to try to find a job in London. The competition was fierce, and I had to go through several stages of interviews. In the end, I got my first job in London, which was a great achievement for me.”
A promising candidate
Unfortunately, Aset Irgaliev remains one of the most closed high-profile officials in the country, and it is difficult to determine his political views and management abilities. However, his closeness to Tokayev and the trust from the president are beyond doubt.
If the insider's information turns out to be true, Kazakhstan may soon have a new important state figure who will assist Tokayev in addressing complex issues.
Whether Aset Irgaliev will be the next president of Kazakhstan depends on many factors, including his loyalty to the "architect" of the new Kazakhstan and real successes in managing the country.
The post Who may become Tokayev's successor? Aset Irgaliev among possible candidates — insider information first appeared on the K-News website.
