Overcoming. Five years of creation

An article about the reforms of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was written by adviser and press secretary of the president Berik Uali, Liter.kz reports with reference to Kazakhstan truth.

The date June 12, 2019 marked the start of a new era in the development of our country. On this day, Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, having secured a mandate of popular trust, officially took office as President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a true intellectual, a skilled diplomat and an effective public manager, confidently won the elections, receiving the support of his fellow citizens. The voting results fully reflected the hopes and expectations of the nation.

At the time Kassym-Jomart Tokayev came to power, the country was in a difficult socio-political situation. For a long time, the individual management system dominated in Kazakhstan. There is a growing demand in society for greater openness and democratization of the political system. Citizens sought greater political participation and expected the new leader to take concrete steps to strengthen democratic institutions.

In addition, acute socio-economic problems, primarily the uneven distribution of national wealth and a high level of social inequality, required urgent solutions.

The new President was faced with the fundamental task of launching large-scale and much-needed reforms for the country. It was necessary to strengthen citizens’ trust in government institutions, ensure the efficiency and transparency of the public administration system and, most importantly, ensure a high quality of life for the population and a fair distribution of benefits and responsibilities.

Political reforms

One of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s first steps as Head of State was the creation of the National Council of Public Trust. The NSOD was conceived as a platform for direct dialogue between representatives of government bodies and public figures, civil activists, and experts for joint development of decisions on the most pressing issues of the country’s development.

The NSOD immediately showed its effectiveness in the consistent political modernization of Kazakhstan. With his participation, four packages of political reforms were adopted aimed at democratizing the country’s political system and comprehensive development of the system for the protection of human rights.

The National Council also played a key role in implementing the concept of a “listening state” put forward by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. An important result of the council’s work was the institutionalization of direct dialogue between the President and society. The NSOD contributed to the formation of a new political culture based on the principles of openness, accountability and interaction between government and society.

In 2022, the process of political modernization in Kazakhstan entered a new stage, the culmination of which was a constitutional reform supported by the majority of citizens in a national referendum, held for the first time since 1995.

As part of the constitutional reform, the powers of the President were significantly reduced and the role of Parliament and the Government was strengthened. These changes were aimed at creating a more balanced management system, preventing the concentration of power in one hand. The electoral legislation was revised towards liberalization, and a mixed electoral system for electing deputies of the Mazhilis and maslikhats of all levels was introduced.

The Constitutional Court began its work, replacing the former Constitutional Council. The new body, having received expanded powers to monitor the compliance of laws and regulations with the Constitution, has become an effective tool for protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens, as well as monitoring the legality of the actions of all branches of government.

The constitutional reform included many other serious innovations. In general, the changes affected a third of the country’s Basic Law. This reform was an important step towards building a more democratic and fair society in Kazakhstan and fully reflected the desire of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to carry out profound reforms in all spheres of life, especially in the political. Thanks to the reform, a solid foundation was laid for the further development of democratic processes and strengthening of the rule of law.

Another fundamental initiative of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as part of large-scale political modernization was the idea of ​​​​introducing a seven-year presidential term without the right of re-election. The seven-year proposal was aimed at preventing monopolization of power and ensuring regular renewal of the country’s top leadership. In addition, this innovation is designed to ensure a more predictable and transparent political process in Kazakhstan.

The political reforms carried out over five years became a key element in the transition from a super-presidential form of government to a presidential republic with a strong parliament. Thanks to the reforms carried out, Kazakhstan has created a new model of state-political structure, which ensures a balance of power, stability of the political system and opens the way for wider participation of citizens in government.

Economic reforms

The economic reforms initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev over the past five years represent a comprehensive program aimed at modernizing and dynamically developing the economy of Kazakhstan. The main objectives of the reforms include improving the business climate, supporting small and medium-sized businesses, developing infrastructure, and diversifying the economy.

One of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s first steps was to strengthen measures to support small and medium-sized businesses. To achieve this, tax holidays, benefits and grants for entrepreneurs were introduced, which contributed to the growth of business activity and the creation of new jobs.

In 2020, against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government, on behalf of the President, implemented a package of anti-crisis measures. Significant funds have been allocated to support the most affected industries, ensure food security and provide financial assistance to businesses and citizens. These measures helped mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic and maintain stability in the country.

As part of the constitutional reform of 2022, amendments were made to the Basic Law, according to which the land and its subsoil, water, flora and fauna, and other natural resources belong to the people. On behalf of the people, property rights are exercised by the state. At the same time, the current provisions of the Constitution have been preserved, according to which land can also be privately owned on the grounds, conditions and within the limits established by law. These novellas became a vivid embodiment of the principle of justice and a reflection of the new economic policy pursued by President Tokayev.

In September 2023, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered his next Address to the people of Kazakhstan, which was called the “Economic Course of a Fair Kazakhstan.” This Address was almost entirely devoted to economic issues and became an important step in the development of the country, outlining key priorities and directions for achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The head of state emphasized the need to create a fair economic system that will ensure equal opportunities for all citizens and fair distribution of national wealth. The main emphasis was placed on the development of human capital, improving the quality of life of the population and supporting socially vulnerable segments of society. An important element of this course was the improvement of the education, health and social welfare systems.

One of the key points of the Address was the announcement of new measures to support small and medium-sized businesses and improve budget, tax, financial and credit policies.

The priority direction of economic reforms is the development of infrastructure, all of it – road, utility, energy, water, and so on. Problems in this area have accumulated and been ignored for decades. In his Messages and speeches, the Head of State has repeatedly emphasized the importance of infrastructure modernization, which is a necessary condition for a high quality of life for citizens and the basis for long-term socio-economic progress. As part of these efforts, large-scale projects were launched for the reconstruction and construction of new roads and railways, the construction of schools and hospitals, and the comprehensive modernization of housing and communal services and the water and energy sector.

Particular attention was paid to the digitalization of the economy and the introduction of innovations. The President outlined the need for accelerated development of the IT sector, digitalization of public services and support for startups. All measures implemented in this direction are aimed at increasing the efficiency of public administration, improving the quality of services provided and creating new business opportunities.

This Address is noteworthy in that it not only determines the main directions for the development of the country’s economy in the coming years, but also because in it the Head of State set a specific and very ambitious goal of doubling GDP by 2029, to achieve which the state is taking systematic steps.

All initiatives of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in the economic sphere are aimed at creating a modern, sustainable and fair economy that provides equal opportunities for all citizens and contributes to the long-term development of Kazakhstan. And the leitmotif of all reforms is a real increase in people’s well-being.

Reforms in the social sphere

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is actively pursuing reforms in the social sphere aimed at creating a more just, developed and united society. The state fulfills all its social obligations, while paying special attention to the development of key sectors such as education, healthcare and science.

One of the President’s main priorities in this direction was supporting teachers, who play a key role in the country’s progress. In particular, to improve working conditions and increase the prestige of the teaching profession, the Law “On the Status of a Teacher” was adopted. The rights and opportunities of teachers were expanded, the salaries of teaching staff were doubled, new types of additional payments were introduced and scholarships for students of pedagogical universities were increased. These measures contributed to attracting talented youth into the teaching profession and improving the quality of education.

Support for medical workers has also become an important element of reforms in the social sphere. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency measures were taken to ensure the health safety of citizens and improve the working conditions of doctors. The introduction of a compulsory social health insurance system increased the industry budget and ensured an increase in wages for medical workers. Conditions were also created for the technical re-equipment of medical institutions.

The development of science has become the most important priority of state policy. The President initiated the re-establishment of the National Academy of Sciences; on his instructions, grant support programs for young scientists were launched. Funding for scientific research has increased significantly, systematic work has begun to develop university science and modernize research institutes, and open branches of the best foreign universities in Kazakhstan.

Particular attention is paid to supporting socially vulnerable groups of citizens. Additional measures were introduced to improve the protection of low-income families, persons with special needs, and youth. The Social Code came into force. As part of supporting the family institution, programs have been developed to improve the living conditions of young families, including preferential mortgage loans and the construction of affordable housing. The “National Fund for Children” initiative has become unprecedented.

A key component of the new social policy also became comprehensive support for volunteer activities. Special platforms were created to coordinate volunteer initiatives, which allowed to increase the number of active volunteers and increase their contribution to socially significant projects.

Public Administration Reform

The concept of the “listening state” has become an important component of public administration reform. The President focused on strengthening the dialogue between the state and society to ensure that the views of citizens are taken into account when making key decisions. As part of this concept, many platforms for public engagement have been created, including public councils, online platforms and regular public discussions. Government bodies have become more open and accountable, which has contributed to increased trust in government.

In addition, measures were taken to improve the work of law enforcement agencies and the judicial system, and to combat corruption. Particular attention is paid to the digitalization of public administration. The introduction of e-government and various digital services has made it possible to increase the accessibility and convenience of obtaining government services for citizens and businesses. New digital platforms for interaction between citizens and government bodies have begun to operate, which has significantly accelerated and simplified many administrative processes.

One of the key initiatives was the publication of a decree on de-bureaucratization, which provides for the simplification of administrative procedures and a reduction in the number of approvals and permits.

In 2022, the Head of State announced the creation of three new regions: Abay, Zhetysu and Ulytau. This strategic decision was made with the aim of optimizing the administrative-territorial structure of the country, improving governance and stimulating regional development.

A breakthrough project will be the development of the city of Alatau. Its implementation began at the initiative of the President. At all times, the construction of new cities was considered an indicator of the strength and power of states and the orientation of their leaders to the future. The city of Alatau is designed to become an attractive center for living and doing business, innovation and technology not only for Kazakhstan, but also for the entire region.

In general, all reforms in this area, initiated by President Tokayev over five years, are aimed at creating a more efficient, transparent and accountable system of government, as well as improving public administration.

Initiatives in the ideological sphere

Since coming to power in 2019, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has devoted significant attention to the ideological sphere, seeking to strengthen national identity and social unity. His initiatives in this area cover a wide range of areas: from promoting historical and cultural values ​​to promoting the principles of social justice.

In terms of systematization and finalization of the main presidential ideologies, the key event was the Third meeting of the National Kurultai in Atyrau, at which a new ideological platform “Adal adam – Adal enbek – Adal tabys” was put forward. It has become a central element of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s ideological policy, aimed at forming a new social ethics based on values ​​such as independence and patriotism, unity and solidarity, justice and responsibility, law and order, hard work and professionalism, creativity and innovation.

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Five years ago, upon assuming the office of President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev set ambitious goals for the transformation of Kazakhstan. Today, looking back at the path traveled, we can say that the country has overcome many challenges and achieved significant success. Political, economic and social reforms have become not just a response to pressing problems, but also the basis for the formation of a Just Kazakhstan.

Of course, there are still a lot of problems in the country, and the President speaks directly about this. But the results achieved are already sufficient, despite the unprecedented difficulties and challenges that befell our country and the President personally over these five years (explosions at ammunition depots, a pandemic, a series of man-made accidents and natural disasters, an unprecedented aggravation of the international situation, the January events and others ). It is impossible to list them all, but I will outline the five main, in my opinion, achievements of the five years of the reign of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, which will have a long-term impact on the development of our country.

First. Dismantling a political system based on the monopolization of power and forming a new solid foundation for the sustainable democratic development of the country.

Second. Construction of a new fair economic model, at the forefront of which are the interests of the entire people, and not of individual privileged individuals (measures to demonopolize the economy, return of assets, and others).

Third. The adoption of comprehensive measures that brought the system of human rights protection in the country to a new level (the creation of the Constitutional Court, strengthening the institution of the Commissioner for Human Rights, the adoption of a law on tightening liability for domestic violence, and others).

Fourth. Emphasis on the development of human potential, changing the behavior patterns of Kazakhstanis, supporting entrepreneurial, social, creative and any creative activity of citizens (adopting a law on the status of a teacher, systemic support for scientists, doctors, cultural figures, the institution of the family, announcing the Year of Children and the Year of the Volunteer, the idea “ Adal azamat – Adal adam” and others).

Fifth. Implementation of fundamental state development projects that will largely determine the economic and infrastructural appearance of our country for the next few decades (reconstruction and construction of new energy capacities, water facilities, utility, road and logistics infrastructure, the creation of three new regions, the beginning of construction of the new city of Alatau and others) .

The strategic vision of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to build a Just Kazakhstan goes far beyond solving current problems and tasks. These five years of successive reforms and incredible difficulties have laid a strong foundation for future generations. All initiatives and reforms of President Tokayev reflect his desire to create a fair society in which the interests of the state and the well-being of citizens come first. Changes in the political system strengthen democracy, economic reforms bring real improvements to the lives of millions of Kazakhstanis, and social initiatives help strengthen solidarity and mutual understanding in society. But we must understand that the future of Kazakhstan, like the future of any country, is determined not only by socio-economic indicators or political reforms. It lies in the values ​​shared by its citizens, in common aspirations and dreams, and in the daily work of everyone for a better future for themselves and their homeland.

Ultimately, the future of Kazakhstan is the future of its people. This is the path we choose together, the path we chart together based on trust, fairness and a commitment to the common good. The prospects for the further development of Kazakhstan lie in continuing its confident movement along the path of creation and renewal. By maintaining the momentum of the reforms that have begun, our country will continue to systematically progress, overcoming all difficulties. There are many new challenges ahead for our country, but we can say with confidence that Kazakhstan, led by such a leader as Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, will go through all the tests and achieve its goals.