Almaty's Akim Change: A Nuanced Assessment of Dosayev's Legacy

Almaty's Akim Change: A Deputy's Perspective Almaty, Kazakhstan – The recent change in Almaty's leadership has prompted varied reactions. Sergey Ponomarev, a member of parliament representing the Amanat party, shared his insights on the outgoing akim, Yerbolat Dosayev's, tenure. The interview, filmed on May 28th, 2025, provides a nuanced view of Dosayev's three years in office. Ponomarev acknowledged the difficult circumstances Dosayev inherited following the January events. However, he highlighted the substantial economic growth achieved under Dosayev's leadership. "The city's budget revenues increased by more than 2.2 to 2.5 trillion tenge compared to the beginning of 2022," Ponomarev stated. He also pointed to the progress on significant infrastructure projects, such as the construction of two new metro lines, one towards the airport and another to the Barlyk market, as evidence of Dosayev's achievements. Despite praising Dosayev's accomplishments, Ponomarev also addressed ongoing challenges. He expressed concerns about the city's environmental issues and the pace of urban development. He emphasized the need for the new akim to prioritize sustainable development and address ecological concerns. The interview concludes with Ponomarev's well wishes for the new akim, urging them to focus on strategic planning and long-term solutions for Almaty's growth.