In his address to the Parliament of the VIII convocation, The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the main changes brought in the social and political life of the country over the past year.
After the last referendum, guided by the requirements of the renewed Constitution, Kazakhstan is completing a large-scale transformation of all institutions of power. This is in accordance with the aspirations of the whole population of the country.
Despite all the challenges, the country has achieved an important stage in its history. Five election campaigns, including a referendum took place in less than a year. A new civic and political culture is taking shape in society now. Vigorous competition for votes as well as informative live debates among political parties indicate the strengthening of an open civil society in the country. It must be mentioned that special attention was directed towards the inclusion of young people, women and persons with special needs in the political process.
Kazakhstan is the only country in the geopolitical region undertaking profound political reforms. The implementation of the reforms is based on the formula “a strong President – an influential Parliament – an accountable Government.” The path of these reforms is being pursued firmly keeping in mind such fundamental values as the rule of law, the unity of the people, social justice and domestic political stability. “The transformations are of exceptional importance for the future of the nation”, the President noted.
The revision of long-term strategic planning approaches proposed by President Tokayev, taking into account global trends, is noted. An effort should be made to achieve real industrialisation, localisation of production and modernisation of infrastructure. Creating an open and self-sufficient market economy remains the main priority. Small and medium businesses should become the driving force of the economy and labour market.
The systemic problems in the economy and social sphere require decisive action. To ensure country’s dynamic progress, a quality legal framework will have to be created. Work on demonopolisation and the return of illegally withdrawn capital from the country is underway.
The President identified the main priorities facing the Parliament. These include improving the quality of life, creating a new type of nation and strengthening centuries old statehood. In order to make the concept of “listening state “ a reality, the deputies, it was stressed, are required to play their role in bringing the government and the people close to each other.
The President also called for stimulating business activity, unlocking industrial potential, reviewing approaches to infrastructure development, paying special attention to ensuring food security, improving the quality of human capital, supporting socially vulnerable categories of citizens, strengthening the human rights protection system, improving the efficiency of public administration and the quality of strategic planning.
Author :Raza Syed is a British journalist from a Pakistani background has experience in international journalism in several countries.He has a good command of Central Asia and South Asia. He maintains over thirty years of experience in journalism. He has three Degrees at the Master’s level in different fields of journalism from the UK.
