Recently, a source from Respublika.kz.media mentioned that Aset Irgaliev, who is 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 then succeed Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
It should be noted that on June 18, 2026, he will turn 40 years old — the age required for nomination for the presidency according to the Constitution.
One of the key differences of the new constitution adopted under Tokayev from the previous one developed by Nazarbayev is the introduction of the vice president position. In previous materials, we have already discussed why this position was needed by Tokayev, and now we want to share insider information about potential candidates for this position.
It is worth noting that the number of possible candidates for the vice presidency is quite large, as Tokayev has a wide choice in appointments.
During discussions of the new Constitution, some of the most frequently mentioned names included Erlan Karin, the current speakers of the chambers of Parliament — Maulen Ashimbayev and Erlan Koshanov, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektanov, and the head of the Presidential Administration Aibek Dadaev. However, Aset Irgaliev's name has not yet appeared in these discussions.
Information about Aset Irgaliev
We suggest reviewing his official biography so that readers do not have to search for information themselves.
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), earning a bachelor's degree in public policy. In the same year, he also graduated from the International Business School in Jönköping, Sweden, with a Bachelor of Science degree in international economics.
In 2009, he received a diploma from York University, and in 2010 — from the University of Nottingham in the UK, becoming a Master of Economics.
From September 2010 to January 2013, he 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 Chairman of the Board of the 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 Managing Holding "Baiterek".
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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 Deputy 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 of the Republic of Kazakhstan 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 medal "For Labor Valor".
As can be seen, Aset Irgaliev has significant education, including studies in Sweden and the UK. Additionally, he speaks Kazakh, Russian, English, and German, although this important aspect was not mentioned in his official biography.
A Close Associate of Tokayev
Becoming an advisor to the Prime Minister at 30 and Minister of National Economy at 34, Irgaliev has already reached significant heights in his career. Since Tokayev's appointment in January 2022, when he set out to eliminate dual power in the country, Irgaliev has changed five positions.
All appointments were made by presidential decrees, confirming Tokayev's high regard for him as an economist and manager.
According to the insider's opinion, Aset Irgaliev is perfectly suited for the role of vice president, as he is capable of leading the government and implementing socio-economic policies, allowing Tokayev to focus on international politics and his representative functions.
This version is supported by Irgaliev's career path and his connections with the second president, under whom he made his main career.
Studying Abroad and Work
We tried to learn more about Aset Irgaliev, but there was little information available. It is known that in 1993, when he was only 7 years old, he lost his father, who tragically died in a car accident at the age of 32. His mother, Asyl Kudaybergenkyzy, a professional accountant, raised him alone. In 2010, she received a "professional accountant" certificate.
According to online sources, Asyl Kudaybergenkyzy worked at the "Kazakhstan Institute of Oil and Gas" and at LLP "KazMunayGas Engineering," indicating her stable income and ability to provide her son with a good education. However, Irgaliev claims that he studied on scholarships.
Aset Irgaliev began his education in elementary school in the village of Voznesenko, then continued his studies in secondary school in Makinsk, and completed his senior classes at the capital's Lyceum No. 11 with a focus on chemistry and biology.
In an interview, he shared that he studied at the University of Nottingham and after graduation tried his luck in London, where he successfully passed several rounds of interviews and began his career in the financial center of the world.
An Unknown Figure with Great Potential
Unfortunately, Aset Irgaliev is one of the most closed high-ranking officials, so his political views and management skills remain a mystery. However, his closeness to Tokayev and the trust from the president is an undeniable fact.
If the insider's information is confirmed, a new high-ranking official will soon appear in Kazakhstan to assist the head of state in addressing complex issues.
Whether Aset Irgaliev will become Tokayev's successor and the third president of modern Kazakhstan depends on many factors, among which the main ones are loyalty to the "architect of the New Kazakhstan" and successes in the country's development.
The record that Aset Irgaliev may become Tokayev's successor — insider information first appeared on K-News.
