China News Agency, Nur-Sultan, March 17th: Kazakhstan's "comprehensive reform" to reshape the "new political culture"

　　China News Agency reporter Zhang Shuo

　　On the 16th local time, Kazakh President Tokayev attended the joint meeting of the upper and lower houses in the capital Nur-Sultan, and delivered the 2022 State of the Nation Address to the people of the country, announcing that a "comprehensive reform" will be carried out in Kazakhstan.

　　Limiting the power of the president and expanding the role of parliament

　　In the context of the "January riots" and the current tense situation in Russia and Ukraine, the State of the Union address has attracted much attention.

　　Tokayev said that "this State of the Union address has a very special significance", covering a wide range of content, heavy tasks and great significance.

He said that with the goal of building a new Kazakhstan, the state has formulated a comprehensive plan for the reform of the political system, and the reform will be "concrete, practical and implementable".

　　According to the transcript of the speech released by the Kazakhstan News Agency, Tokayev said in his speech that the political model of Kazakhstan should realize the transition from a "super presidential system" to a "presidential republic with a strong parliament".

He believes that the complete concentration of political power in the president will weaken the autonomy of local institutions.

　　Tokayev plans to step down as chairman of the "Amanat" party (formerly the "Light of the Fatherland" party) within the year, and proposes that the president stop his party membership in political parties during his term and prohibit the relatives of the head of state from holding public office. and management positions.

He believes this will help to level the playing field among the parties.

　　While limiting the power of the president, the role of the Kazakhstan parliament will be enhanced.

Tokayev intends to expand the authority of Margilis (lower house of parliament), establish a constitutional court, reform the electoral system and lower the threshold for forming political parties.

At the same time, the "independence" of the local council has been enhanced, and the position of the chairman of the local council has been added.

　　According to Tokayev's vision, the country's administrative divisions will also change.

On the basis of the existing 14 prefectures and 3 republic-level cities, Rete Suzhou, Uretao and Abai prefectures will be added.

He said that this will better help the social and economic development of various regions.

　　Tokayev pointed out, "Every decision I make is based on the consideration of national interests, and we need to carefully adjust the political model of the country. When the integrity of the country is threatened, the people face unprecedented challenges." Tokayev It is pointed out that the Kazakh people have a deeper understanding of the meaning of national sovereignty and independence, and it is only by relying on the unity of the people that Kazakhstan has defended the country's sovereignty in the crisis.

　　The State of the Union address shows that Kazakhstan will undergo comprehensive reforms.

To this end, more than 30 items in the Kazakhstan constitution will be revised.

Kazakhstan Satellite Network quoted Tokayev as saying that by the end of this year, the country will pass at least 20 laws.

　　Implement anti-crisis measures to ensure national currency stability

　　Tokayev admitted that Kazakhstan is facing severe economic and financial difficulties.

He said that the international situation is in a tense stage, and global development is facing various uncertainties.

"Confrontation and sanctions will have a linked impact on the world, and the global economy will suffer serious losses." He emphasized that the Kazakh government will formulate systematic anti-crisis measures, among which, the stability of the national currency should be ensured first.

　　"This is a key factor in our country's economic security." Tokayev pointed out that in order to ensure the stability of the financial market, he has signed a decree restricting foreign exchange exports, and asked the Kazakh government, national banks and regulators to take decisive measures to avoid foreign exchange Reserves are damaged.

　　The Ministry of Economy of Kazakhstan also previously issued a statement saying that in order to ensure the stability of the country's financial market and the attractiveness of tenge deposits, the Kazakh government and the Central Bank of Kazakhstan are implementing a joint action plan to jointly formulate a tenge deposit protection mechanism.

　　In addition, Tokayev asked government and local leaders to pay close attention to crop planting in order to prevent food shortages from running out of control.

He urged the government to act quickly to deal with the current crisis, "slow decision-making and bureaucratic formalism are unacceptable".

　　Expert: Shaping the country's new political culture

　　Tokayev's "comprehensive reform" has drawn attention in Kazakhstan.

In an interview with the Kazakhstan News Agency, Yerkin Tucumov, director of the Institute of Strategic Studies directly under the President of Kazakhstan, said that the President clearly emphasized the necessity and timeliness of political reform. Reform is the foundation of national economic development and social construction, and ultimately Safeguard the country's sovereignty and independence.

In this sense, the signal released by the reform will be the "starting point of a new Kazakhstan".

　　Kazakhstan State Secretary Yeerlan Kalin believes that the reform will have a positive impact on the lives of the Kazakh people.

In his view, the president's announcement to reduce the "excessive functions" of those in power and revise the parliamentary election system will increase citizens' electoral activities and stimulate their participation in nation-building.

"This will be a gradual process of decentralization. The measures announced by the president will help shape the country's new political culture and strengthen the sense of trust between the government and citizens," Erlan Kalin said.

　　Idiza Palhomchik, an expert from the Institute of World Economics and Politics (IMEP) in Kazakhstan, believes that the series of reform measures announced by the head of state will increase the government's sense of responsibility to the people, and it will be reflected in the participation of the people in government decision-making when addressing major strategic issues. Attitude.

"A strong president, an influential parliament and a responsible government make up the new 'formula of power' in Kazakhstan."

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