Nazarbayev's 2000 law granted lifelong immunity, family privileges
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In 2000, Kazakhstan adopted a constitutional law granting first President Nursultan Nazarbayev sweeping lifelong privileges, including immunity from prosecution and the right to influence state affairs after leaving office. The law was fast-tracked through parliament in secrecy ahead of Nazarbayev's 60th birthday on July 6, 2000. It was later strengthened but eventually repealed four years after Nazarbayev stepped down in 2019.
Secretive Fast-Track Adoption
The constitutional law 'On the First President' was initiated by the Civil Party, founded in November 1998. The bill was kept secret until a week before its first reading on June 22, 2000, according to the Panorama weekly. Deputy Tagir Sisymbaev, now a prominent lawyer, told Vlast that the bill's urgency stemmed from its constitutional nature and the approaching parliamentary recess at the end of June. He did not rule out that the initiative was a birthday gift for Nazarbayev's 60th anniversary.
Political Scientist's Analysis
Political scientist Andrei Chebotarev said the rush was intended to avoid public debate and opposition protests. He argued that Nazarbayev, who was not planning to leave office in 2000, was securing personal safety mechanisms for the future rather than ensuring a succession of presidential power. The law granted Nazarbayev immunity for life, the right to address parliament, and privileges for his family members.
What's Next
The law was repealed in 2023, but its legacy continues to shape debates about presidential power and legal immunity in Kazakhstan. It remains unclear whether similar privileges could be reinstated under future leadership.
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Nazarbayev's 2000 law granted lifelong immunity, family privileges
