The conspiracy theory suggests that opponents of the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan are funded by Western structures simply because «Rosatom» will be constructing the NPP, not a Western company. Therefore, there is a need to raise an anti-nuclear agenda in society…
This is hinted at by the well-known political analyst Daniyar Ashimbayev. In his Telegram channel, he writes that the government seems to have managed to outplay Western «conspirators.» Literal translation below:
«A representative Kazakh delegation attended the session of the IAEA General Conference. The delegation included the Minister of Energy and the head of the National Welfare Fund ‘Samruk-Kazyna.’ Following the session, a declaration was signed with the US Department of Energy on the successful completion of the experiment on the conversion of research reactors at the IAEA in Kurchatov. The IAEA also signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Chinese Institute of Nuclear Energy. A document was adopted that elevated Kazakhstan’s status in this international organization. Discussions were held about the EDB and the future referendum on the nuclear power plant.
But here is another interesting aspect: on Friday, immediately after the conference, two events took place.
Firstly, Kazakhstan announced that from 2025, it will restore uranium production to its full capacity (in recent years, the country reduced its production by 20% and then by 10%).
Secondly, the powers of the President of Kazatomprom, Yerzhan Mukanov, who had just returned from Vienna, were terminated. Meirzhan Yusupov was appointed in his place, who previously served as Vice President of the National Atomic Company (NAC) for Economics and Finance, Deputy Minister of National Economy, and the head of JSC KazakhInvest. In Kazatomprom, it has become a tradition in recent years to unexpectedly and frequently change top managers without much explanation. European partners, facing problems with uranium amid events in West Africa, insisted on expanding production.
Debates are ongoing regarding the choice of the nuclear power plant project. The most obvious and logical option is «Rosatom,» but it is actively opposed by the same Western partners who are investing heavily in local nationalist-populists, liberal democrats, and environmentalists. Apparently, the leadership decided to compromise: reducing uranium prices in exchange for reducing the level of anti-nuclear and anti-Russian hysteria.»
