Although the post-Soviet events are difficult, they won’t stop our country from moving forward. Kassym Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The Russian-Ukraine conflict represents a tragedy of a magnitude that Europe has never seen since its inception. Two months before the outbreak of war, Kazakhstan suffered its own tragedy. National demonstrations escalated to a level of violence that was unprecedented in its thirty-year history of independence. While we still have a lot to recover from these wounds, we are determined to continue to learn and address the challenges as well as move forward.
Eurasia has been a dynamic region. However, concerted efforts are needed to ensure that it remains open, peaceful, and prosperous. These are the goals I must pursue as President of Kazakhstan, an ex-Soviet country that is second only to the Russian Federation.
Kazakhstan and Russia share the longest international border. This makes them special partners in mutual cooperation. We also have strong traditions of friendship with Ukraine. As the vast majority of the world, we respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
We are hopeful for a quick and just solution to the conflict, in accordance with UN Charter. In direct communication with Presidents Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky, I urged for dialogue and peaceful resolution hostilities. Kazakhstan is willing and able continue its international mediation role.
Unfortunately, the shocks that have struck this part of Eurasia are not limited to the Ukraine situation. The tragic January events that saw peaceful protests turn violent are still affecting our country. We must ensure that violence does not occur again. First, we must acknowledge that legitimate concerns can be expressed without fear of violence and persecution. Next is to take action.
I introduced landmark changes on March 16 that will accelerate Kazakhstan’s modernization. These reforms are intended to address the socioeconomic and civic grievances of Kazakhstani citizens. We heard them loud and clear.
This country is embarking upon an unprecedented decentralization state power, strengthening checks and balances. It will not tolerate corruption or nepotism. If this country is to thrive, it must reverse the concentration of political power and wealth accumulation in the hands of few.
The new era of Kazakhstan’s democratic transformation is upon us. The Office of the President, Parliament and local administrations will all be reformed. Tolerance for torture will be strict.
In fact, the country will shift from a super-presidential to a normative presidential model of government. New constitutional amendments will strengthen Parliament’s authority, introduce a mixed voting system that will include single-seat districts and political party lists, and remove barriers to the formation and expansion of new political parties, creating political diversity.
The creation of a new Constitutional Court will increase the strength and transparency of the judiciary. Senate approval will be required for the Chief Justice.
I have reduced the number of senators appointed by the president from 15 to 10. This voluntary curtailment of power has been done in my own free will. Half of the ten appointees will now be recommended to the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. This consultative body unites the different ethnic groups within our nation.
Most importantly, the constitutional changes will give more power to akims, the governors of the cities, districts, and rural areas. They will now be completely accountable to the people.
In designing these reforms, our government has carefully listened to the opinions of civil society. Our system must be economically viable for everyone, not just the few as it has been in the past.
Growth that isn’t inclusive is not sustainable. The immense wealth amassed by the oligarchs, their monopolies, will be directed towards the working and middle classes in this country.
The government is aware of the urgent need to address inequality. The economy should grow, and so should the livelihoods. The government was given the task of developing a program that will increase wages and decrease poverty. To achieve this goal, I have ordered a 40% increase in the minimum wages and wage increases for public sector workers. The tax burdens of small businesses will shrink, while Kazakhstan’s extractive firms will bear a greater and more equitable share of the economic burden.
These reforms are a turning point for our country. We prefer to move forward rather than stagnate. And we are determined. There is still much to do. Partnership is the only way to create a better future for all of us, domestically and internationally. We are determined to build on our strong friendship and cooperative relationship with Europe and the United States over the next three decades.
Only by working together, can we guide Eurasia toward this goal.
KassymJomartTokayev is the President of Kazakhstan.
This article is shared:
