Interview of Kazakh President Tokayev by Kazakhstanskaya Pravda

Adding to the stack of New Year’s interviews is that of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with Kazakhstanskaya Pravda as reproduced at the CIS website. As you read, you’ll confront the Kazakh terms for many governmental aspects. Tokayev recounts the attempted coup of 2001 and discusses his thoughts and actions before then and since. IMO, readers will be pleased to learn about this important Central Asian leader and his nation that’s a key cog in the Eurasian expansion and advancement that’s occurring. I recall what Belarus President Lukashenko said soon after the 2021 event about the need to deal with the internal problems that allow outsiders to gain leverage for such actions, and Tokayev seems to have listened. Now, he can talk:

Thank you, Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich, for taking time out of your busy schedule for interviews. The Kazakh press has been waiting for your opinion on issues of concern to our society. Therefore, today I would like to have a frank discussion with you on these topics.

What do you remember about the past year?

I would like to take this opportunity to once again wish all my compatriots a Happy New Year!

The year 2023 turned out to be full of significant events for our country. We have come to the completion of major political reforms. The Constitutional Court began its work. Elections of deputies of the Mazhilis and maslikhats of all levels were held according to the new rules. For the first time, elections of akims of districts and cities of regional significance were held. Elections of heads of villages and cities of district significance continued, as a result of which about 700 rural akims were elected last year.

We have begun to build a fair and competitive economic system. We dealt with the issues of diversification and demonopolization of the economy, renewal of infrastructure, business support and attraction of investment.

Pressing issues of the social sphere were consistently addressed. The construction of schools, including "comfort schools", has begun throughout the country, and medical facilities are being built in villages. A Social Code aimed at comprehensive support for vulnerable categories of citizens has been introduced. A special payment to persons employed in harmful working conditions has been approved. Additional payments have been established for employees of environmental services for risks to life and health. The salaries of medical workers, teachers of schools, colleges, kindergartens have been increased. A law has been passed to regulate the payment of deductions to children from the National Fund. A new methodology for determining the minimum wage has been adopted, taking into account key economic indicators, including the inflation rate.

All this work will be filled with new content in 2024. We will act scrupulously and systematically, steadily moving towards our goals. This year is particularly important as it lays the foundation for the next five-year cycle of the country's development.

- What expectations do you have for the New Year? What are the main challenges facing the country?

In my September Address, I set the task of switching to a new economic model. The strategic goal is to double GDP by 2029. In the near future, an expanded meeting of the Government will be held, at which we will sum up the results of socio-economic development and determine the tactics of further actions in this direction.

Meetings of the National Kurultai have become a useful platform for discussing issues of the ideological sphere, the formation of a new quality of the nation, and the renewal of the society's value system. Traditionally, they were held in the summer, but this year we are likely to hold a meeting in the spring.

Thus, during the first quarter, the main agenda of the country in the economy, socio-political and humanitarian spheres will be formed.

We will continue a constructive and balanced foreign policy, taking into account the national interests of the state. In 2024, a number of representative summits and forums will be held in our country. Kazakhstan will chair several authoritative international organizations at once: the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, the Organization of Turkic States, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, and the Islamic Organization for Food Security.

A big event will be the holding of the World Nomad Games in Kazakhstan. They are important both for the popularization of national sports and a healthy lifestyle, and for the expansion of cultural and humanitarian ties between fraternal peoples - the heirs of the nomadic civilization of the Great Steppe.

Honoring outstanding historical figures of our people will be useful from the point of view of strengthening the national identity. This year marks the 125th anniversary of the birth of the famous scientist Kanysh Satpayev and the 100th anniversary of the birth of the famous heroes Sagadat Nurmagambetov and Rakhymzhan Koshkarbayev. In addition, according to historians, 2024 will mark 800 years since the actual formation of the Ulus of Jochi. In connection with such a landmark date, showing the centuries-old roots of our statehood, a large research work will be launched. This year, the preparation of a multi-volume book on the history of Kazakhstan will be completed. This is a thorough work, on which more than 200 domestic scientists and about 60 foreign specialists are working.

In addition to many important events, there will be even more routine daily work. The efforts of all citizens determine what this year will be like in the history of the country. In my New Year's address, I said that next year we will witness a new upsurge in our nation, but we will all have to work hard to achieve this goal.

Exactly two years have passed since the tragic events of January. Kantar became a milestone that opened a new era in the history of Kazakhstan. In your speeches and interviews, you have already given an assessment of those tragic events. However, questions remain. There are different interpretations. How would you characterize these events today, with the passage of time? What are their main causes and prerequisites?

I've been thinking about these questions for a long time and I continue to think about them. In my opinion, the tragic January events were caused by many years of unresolved socio-economic problems and general stagnation, which turned into the degradation of the authorities and society. This was visible, as they say, with the naked eye.

After my election as President in 2019, a course was taken to democratize the political system, liberalize public life, and demonopolize the economy. Social activists, civil activists, and experts were actively involved in the development and implementation of reforms. Many initiatives have been worked out at various dialogue platforms, including at meetings of the National Council of Public Trust, which I have specially created.

Frankly speaking, this new course was strongly rejected by influential individuals, who perceived it as a threat to the deep-rooted state of affairs in the country and their privileged status in the power structures. On their part, covert and often overt resistance to reform gradually grew. In the end, in order to reverse the transformation and restore the old order, they decided to take extreme measures.

This group of high-ranking officials had a huge influence on the security forces and criminals, so the option of organizing a violent seizure of power was chosen. According to the investigation, preparations began around mid-2021. Then the government made an ill-conceived, illegal decision to sharply increase the price of liquefied gas, and in the Mangistau region, people incited by provocateurs went to demonstrations.

The government, on my instructions, created a special commission, which went to the region to meet with representatives of the public and make a compromise decision. But the protests took on an extremist character, which the conspirators took advantage of.

An investigation by the Prosecutor General's Office showed that the development of the January events was "wave-like".

At first, there were rallies in the Mangistau region, which continued in other regions. Despite all the efforts of the central government and akimats, the situation in the country became destabilized, negotiations and dialogue to find compromise solutions were not supported by the organizers of the unrest.

The first clashes began in many regions of the country. All this played into the hands of the conspirators, who, through specially trained people, connived at the escalation of the situation in every possible way. But even in such a difficult situation, law enforcement agencies avoided the use of force. It was the second wave.

The third wave began when criminal gangs came into play, the leaders of which were controlled by the conspirators and had contacts with terrorists, including those who arrived from outside. Using special technologies, provocateurs, and bandits, they turned peaceful protests into mass riots, accompanied by large-scale violence, pogroms, arson, and destruction of property. In the conditions of chaos, armed bandits and terrorists joined what was happening, who at the same time, on a single command, staged attacks on the buildings of government bodies, law enforcement agencies, weapons stores, arsenals of law enforcement forces and military units. And we are talking not only about Almaty, but also about a number of regional centers. Let me remind you that during the January events, more than 3,000 weapons were stolen, including assault rifles, machine guns and even grenade launchers. In addition, transport infrastructure and telecommunications facilities were attacked. To reiterate, the bandits and terrorists acted in an organized manner, in close coordination with each other.

Extremists, criminals, and religious radicals took part in the coup attempt. Their aim was to sow fear among citizens, disorganize State institutions, undermine the constitutional order and, ultimately, seize power.

The situation at that time was extremely difficult and tense – the country was close to sinking into chaos. In order to prevent this, all measures were controlled by me personally, hourly and around the clock. The Ministry of Internal Affairs received information about the preparation of various attacks on Akorda, including the use of trucks. I was repeatedly advised to leave the residence, even to evacuate, including abroad, but I strongly disagreed with this and in one of my televised addresses I said that under any circumstances I would remain at my workplace. For two weeks I was in the service residence of Akorda. Operational meetings were held both late at night and early in the morning. In those days, the most important task was to preserve our state, to restore the rule of law and order in the country.

– How correct was the decision to invite Russian military personnel to Kazakhstan? In the neighboring country, there is a lot of talk about its life-saving role during the unrest in Kazakhstan.

In the conditions of chaos and actual anarchy in the regions, at a meeting of the Security Council, it was decided to appeal to the CSTO to send a peacekeeping contingent to our country for the period necessary to ensure stability and security. I would like to emphasize that the appeal was not addressed to Russia, but to the CSTO, of which Kazakhstan is a member.

At the time of the appeal, Armenia was the chairman of the organization, and this year the chairmanship passed to Kazakhstan. The CSTO contingent was truly peacekeeping and played the role of a deterrent in the bacchanalia that played out in those tragic days. By agreement with the member countries of the organization, its contingent left the country without any preconditions, moreover, ahead of schedule.

The CSTO peacekeeping contingent did not participate in the counter-terrorist operation and did not fire a single shot. The Armenian contingent guarded the city water utility and the Aksai bakery, the Belarusian contingent guarded the airfield in Zhetygen, the Tajik and Kyrgyz contingents guarded the CHPP-1 and CHPP-2 in Almaty, respectively, and the Russian contingent guarded the CHPP-3 and telecommunications facilities. There were threats of terrorist attacks on vital facilities, so the contingent was sent there. But most importantly, it made it possible to free up our forces to conduct a counter-terrorist operation.

It turns out that it was a failed coup attempt. What, then, do you say to those who claim that it was a popular uprising and almost a revolution?

The whole world witnessed those tragic events when peaceful demonstrations turned into riots and pogroms. Do people come to peaceful demonstrations with machine guns, pistols and cold weapons? Do they beat and kill servicemen, mock them, and use them as human shields during attacks on administrative buildings? Do peaceful demonstrations leave looted shops and banks, burned cars? I'm not even talking about the attacks on government buildings and police stations. The total amount of damage from these atrocities amounted to about three billion dollars.

Speculative versions should not be built on the causes and consequences of Kantar. Let me be clear: the arguments about the alleged popular uprising contribute to the justification and whitewashing of criminal acts. Such irresponsible, in fact, provocative conversations lead to the glorification of real bandits and the rooting of a pernicious criminal psychology in society. This means that they are calling for new unrest to the detriment of national security and the well-being of the people. This is a very serious threat. Therefore, the state and society must be united in condemning lawlessness – I am sure of that.

– In this case, how can the citizens of the country express their critical attitude to the actions of the authorities?

We have created all the conditions for public expression of disagreement with the actions of the authorities. Citizens can talk openly about existing problems. In accordance with the concept of the "listening state", I demand that state bodies take into account public opinion. We have a democratic law on peaceful assembly. A law has recently been passed to regulate the filing and consideration of petitions.

Therefore, it must be very clear that peaceful protests are permissible, but mass riots are unacceptable and will be harshly suppressed. The rule of law should prevail in the country – this is my principled position. Look, in Western countries, the citadels of democracy, they do not stand on ceremony with those who organize street riots and attacks on government buildings.

The police identified the organizers of the January riots – all those who called for resistance to the legitimate demands of the authorities, were engaged in the delivery and distribution of weapons, escalated the atmosphere of aggression, and led the crowd during pogroms, arson and acts of violence. At the same time, ordinary and often random rioters were separated from the bandits. I have decided to grant amnesty to citizens who have fallen under the influence of provocateurs. Amnesty was applied to 1,095 citizens out of 1,205 previously convicted. And the organizers of the riots and persons who received sentences for terrorist attacks, high treason, an attempt to seize power by force and other grave crimes will serve their sentences in full.

- I don't know how pleasant or unpleasant the next question will be for you, but I can't help but ask it. After you took office as President in 2019, there was talk in the country that we had a system of dual power. Some compared our political model with Iran's, others with Singapore's. Indeed, there was an impression that there were two centers of power in the country. Was that so?

Since you have raised such a sharp question, I must be extremely frank. In accordance with the Constitution, the President determines the main directions of the country's domestic and foreign policy, appoints and dismisses the highest officials of the state, the high command of the Armed Forces. The Head of State is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

However, there were indeed attempts to impose a model of dual power, and I must say that these attempts were purposeful and organized. In the current political situation of the "transit of power," political manipulators have formed a kind of parallel center of power. The President and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, as well as the Chairman of the Security Council in the person of the ex-president, acted in our country. This, in the end, could not but lead to a conflict of power.

I will say more: this situation was one of the prerequisites for the January crisis. Because the conspirators tried to take advantage of the invented model of dual power or "tandem". You probably remember the statements of a number of officials, including the former Minister of Justice, that the status of the Leader of the Nation is higher than the President. Some officials took turns running around the offices. They played on it and eventually started playing. Later, I told Nursultan Nazarbayev bluntly that the political games, first of all, of his closest associates, almost tore the country apart.

I believe that there should be no "senior and junior presidents" at all. "When you leave, go away." This is a serious lesson for the future generation of leaders, who should beware of such things and always think only about the interests of the state and the well-being of society.

Regrettably, at crucial moments of the domestic political crisis, the heads of key law enforcement agencies showed their lack of professionalism and even treachery.

Kantar showed the need to build a sustainable and effective system of state institutions operating in accordance with the Basic Law. As a nation, we overcame this crisis, withstood and became even stronger. We prevented an even greater catastrophe and stabilized the situation in the country only thanks to the unity of our citizens and the decisive actions of the entire vertical of power. Later, during the investigation, some of the conspirators admitted that they did not expect to see such a level of consolidation of the people and the political will of the authorities.

– After Kantar, you began to implement deep political reforms, which was recognized even in the West. Can we say that we have passed the point of no return, the critical line that separates us from the recent past? Are there any guarantees of irreversibility of changes today?

As I said, political reforms began back in 2019. The National Council of Public Trust was formed, which developed and implemented important legislative initiatives. Significant changes have been made to the legislation on elections, political parties, and the Parliament. For the first time, the country openly talked about the dictatorship of an oligopoly.

These innovations created a threat to those who felt at ease in the conditions of political and economic monopoly. So they made an unsuccessful attempt to turn things around.

After Kantar, there were fears that the authorities, allegedly, would "tighten the screws" and begin to preserve the regime. However, we did the opposite, taking a more difficult but correct path.

In 2022, the process of political modernization has, of course, accelerated. And one of the main tasks of the reforms was the formation of a fairer and more balanced political system. In addition, it was important to create such conditions to ensure the irreversibility of political reforms, to make them a permanent factor in public life.

For this purpose, several barriers have been installed as part of the constitutional reform.

First, we have recreated the Constitutional Court, which is, in fact, the supreme body of constitutional control that ensures the supremacy of the Constitution. It may seem to some that the former Constitutional Council has simply changed its name, but this is not the case here. Decisions of the Constitutional Court have final force, even the President cannot revise its decisions, including those related to the constitutional rights of citizens.

Any amendments and additions to the Constitution may be submitted to a republican referendum or to the Parliament only if there is a corresponding opinion of the Constitutional Court.

Let me remind you that out of the eleven judges of the Constitutional Court, six, that is, the majority, are appointed by the chambers of Parliament. And the Chairman, although appointed by the President, is only with the consent of the Senate.

Secondly, the Constitution itself unequivocally affirms the principled positions. For example, Article 91 of the Basic Law stipulates that the independence of the State, the unitary nature and territorial integrity of the Republic, the form of its government, the fundamental principles of the Republic's activities and, I emphasize, the provision on a single seven-year term for the President established by the Constitution are immutable.

Thirdly, as a result of the reforms, the powers of the Mazhilis have been significantly expanded, which began to be formed according to a new electoral model – party lists and single-member constituencies.

In short, there can be no return to the old system. Today, it can be stated with confidence that political reforms in Kazakhstan are not just systemic, but, critically, irreversible, because the political mentality of the nation has undergone a radical transformation. Legal literacy and activism of citizens have become the main guarantor of democratic transformations. The people will not allow any setback and, I am convinced, will firmly defend the changes that have taken place.

Meanwhile, some critics of the authorities, including in the West, claim that there are still political prisoners in our country. Is this true?

The main signs of political persecution are censorship, special laws and punitive bodies. Nothing like this exists in modern Kazakhstan. In our legislation, there is not a single decree, not a single law, not a single normative document under which citizens could be prosecuted for their political views.

On the contrary, the reforms have strengthened the system for the protection of human rights. Legislative amendments have been adopted to strengthen the independence of the courts. The categories of cases for jury trials have been expanded. The institution of the Ombudsman is fully functioning in the country, which has received constitutional status. The consistency and depth of the reforms is shown by the fact that in December last year I signed the second Decree in the field of human rights.

The main task of the authorities is to strictly ensure law and order. Therefore, any violation of the law is punishable. And people's political views and ideological preferences have nothing to do with law and order.

Some individuals, despite warnings from the prosecutor's office, violate the law with strange persistence, apparently in an attempt to gain wide public fame. In other words, they put themselves above the law.

What kind of political persecution can we talk about in a country where there are many independent media outlets and political censorship does not exist?

Moreover, after the adoption of the new law on rallies, when a notification procedure was introduced instead of a permit procedure, the number of peaceful rallies in Kazakhstan increased manifold.

In my speeches, I have repeatedly said that all problems must be resolved in a civilised and constructive manner – not by shouting and provocations in the squares, but within the framework of specially created dialogue platforms and mechanisms and, above all, within the walls of the Parliament.

The Parliament now has the widest political palette that reflects the views of all major segments of our society. The institution of parliamentary opposition has been legislated.

Let me remind you that six parties were elected to the Majilis following the results of the last elections, three of which received deputy mandates for the first time. At the same time, one of the parliamentary parties is initially oppositional.

Many foreign politicians and experts, including those from Western countries, express support for our democratic reforms, noting their advanced nature. Indeed, in our geopolitical environment [Central Asia], we are the only country that has undergone such a large-scale democratic transformation and made great progress in the protection of human rights.

– There is news circulating on social networks that you plan to hold a referendum on the Constitution and intend to take part in the presidential elections again in 2026. It's true?

This is disinformation. I am convinced that arbitrary amendments to the Constitution, especially on such a fundamental issue, are no longer possible. The constitutional reform was not undertaken in order to make arbitrary changes to the Basic Law.

The provision for a single presidential term in the Constitution is unchanged. This norm is as inviolable as the norms on the independence, unitarity, territorial integrity and form of government of our State.

Since we have touched upon this topic, I will take this opportunity to reveal some details. I expressed the idea of a one-time seven-year term in closed discussions 15 years ago. At that time, this proposal was not supported. After being elected President, I weighed all the pros and cons, thought a lot about how this idea could be put into practice.

In 2022, several important constitutional changes were implemented aimed at eliminating super-presidential powers. At the same time, I proposed the idea of a one-time seven-year term. This initiative has received popular support. That says it all.

– Let's move on to the economy. In your 2023 Address, you proclaimed a new economic course for A Just Kazakhstan and set a goal to double the volume of the national economy by 2029, bringing it to $450 billion. Meanwhile, according to the forecasts of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, in 2023-2024, economic growth in Kazakhstan will be no more than 3-4%. How realistic is it to achieve the goal with such dynamics?

This is an achievable goal. According to analysts of the International Monetary Fund, by the end of 2023, the volume of GDP at current prices in Kazakhstan should amount to over $259 billion, which is 15% more than in 2022. This is the most significant nominal growth in Central Asia.

Positive dynamics is also noted in GDP per capita, the forecast figure for 2023 was almost 13 thousand dollars, annual growth is estimated at 1.6 thousand dollars. According to the IMF forecast, by 2028 this figure will grow by a third - up to 16.8 thousand dollars.

However, I must note that for me, macroeconomic indicators are not of paramount importance, but the main thing is the real well-being of citizens.

Favorable forecasts will become a reality if the Government uses new approaches to economic management. I see two main directions.

The first is the solution of a number of targeted tasks that can stimulate the country's development. These include the implementation of large industrial projects. In the September Address, the Government was instructed to determine a list of possible major projects and prepare an Infrastructure Development Plan. These projects are being worked out, consultations are being held with large businesses, institutional investors and the expert community.

It is also necessary to solve the important task of attracting investment, including through privatization and asset recovery. Large-scale investments can "accelerate" the economy and form new points of growth. Therefore, my Executive Order has recently established an Investment Headquarters with broad powers to improve the investment climate and the high-quality implementation of investment projects.

The second area includes measures to implement systemic reforms that will enshrine new "rules of the game" for the entire economy.

On my instructions, the Government is developing a new Tax Code designed to restart the relationship between the state and business. In improving the tax system, it is very important to move away from an exclusively fiscal approach. We need a balance between creating comfortable conditions for investors and maintaining the necessary level of budget revenues.

The new Budget Code is of great importance. We must radically change our attitude to budget money, putting rationality, thrift and the relevance of its use at the forefront.

New laws on public procurement and public-private partnerships have a major role to play here. These documents will ensure the transparency of public procurement and create a financial basis for the development of the economy.

Particular attention should be paid to improving the efficiency of the quasi-public sector. Measures for its modernization have already been identified, and their practical implementation is underway.

Answering your question, I would also like to note that the economic situation in the world certainly affects our country. But any difficulties always open up new opportunities. The government should have a detailed plan of action, taking into account all possible scenarios. It is important that all measures to stimulate economic growth are accompanied by structural reforms aimed at developing entrepreneurship and competition, protecting private property, and ensuring the fairness of justice. With this approach, we will achieve all the goals we have set, including doubling the volume of the national economy within the scheduled timeframe.

Our newspaper often receives calls and letters from citizens who are unable to pay off their debts on consumer loans. In this regard, I would like to ask what measures are being taken to address this problem.

I am seriously concerned about the debt burden of citizens, because this problem directly affects the social well-being of people and the stability of the financial system. One of my first decisions as President was the 2019 Executive Order on reducing the debt burden of citizens in difficult life situations. Then, as a one-time action, unsecured loans of 500 thousand people were written off. Then, in 2023, the law on personal bankruptcy came into force. In my last year's Address, I instructed the Government to take new systemic measures to radically remedy the situation, which is mainly related to the low financial literacy of citizens. On the other hand, it is obvious that it is necessary to tighten the regulation of consumer lending and the activities of collection companies.

Something has already been done in this direction. For example, in recent years, the requirements for banks and microfinance organizations in terms of the amount of consumer lending capital have been increased fivefold. A ban has been introduced on obtaining new loans if there is a delay on loans, as well as a ban on accrual of interest on all loans after 90 days of delay. Inspections of collection agencies are carried out on an ongoing basis.

To protect the rights of borrowers, amendments to the legislation on lending have been developed, which will further tighten the requirements for microfinance organizations, collection agencies and banks. It is proposed to limit the sale of loans to collectors. The procedure for settling the acquired debt will become the responsibility of collection companies. The powers of the Banking Ombudsman are also being expanded. The document is already being considered by the Majilis of the Parliament. I am ready to support these initiatives.

Today, many of our compatriots are concerned about rising prices, rising tariffs, employment issues, and the general situation in the regions. Is the current Government, which is busy with a multitude of operational issues, capable of solving strategic problems? How do you assess the effectiveness of the Government's work as a whole?

The governments of all countries face both operational and strategic tasks. And Kazakhstan is no exception. The main issue is the optimal allocation of resources and effective planning.

The current Government was formed only in the spring of last year. The constitutional reform and the parliamentary elections "nullified" the mandate of the Parliament and the Government. According to the Constitution, the Government resigned before the newly elected composition of the Mazhilis. The candidacy of the new head of the Cabinet of Ministers was presented by the Amanat party, which took the majority of seats in the Majilis. I will not hide the fact that the party did this after consulting with the President. The economic block of her election platform was formed on the basis of the program of the current government.

The powers of the Government have been significantly expanded. After the September reorganization, the Presidential Administration focused on the strategic directions of the country's socio-economic development and is no longer engaged in the detailed patronage of the Government, individual ministries and departments. Now the Administration acts as a political headquarters that does not interfere in the work of the executive branch in the "manual control" mode. Previously duplicated functions were transferred to the Government. The prerogative of sectoral decision-making has also been transferred to the level of the Government and relevant bodies. The budgetary independence of the regions has increased.

In short, the Government has enough tools. On his part, a well-thought-out strategy of action and, of course, the will to successfully solve the tasks at hand are required. The government asked for independence and additional powers, and it got them. But we must understand that the demand will now be special.

In my opinion, the Government is struggling to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the country's fuel and energy complex and utilities. As a matter of urgency, it is necessary to deal with the elimination of accidents, maintain the supply of heat, energy and water in settlements throughout Kazakhstan. Why is this the case?

The deplorable state of thermal power plants and housing and communal services is the result of many years of inaction. Everyone understands that the current problems in this industry did not arise overnight, but have been accumulating for years. The deterioration of heating plants and other equipment in the regions reaches 80 percent. At the same time, investments in utilities have not met the needs all these years.

The situation is also adversely affected by some information "networkers", who deliberately escalate routine situations at electric power facilities, calling the situation with heat supply a "tragedy".

Deep modernization of engineering infrastructure throughout the country is a very large-scale and complex task, but it is gradually being solved.

In the spring-summer period, the Government and akims took measures to ensure high-quality preparation for the heating season. Work was carried out at problematic facilities, the condition of which was critical.

Now the minimum task is to prevent serious accidents and stop the heat supply in houses. The maximum task is to introduce new capacities, systematically renew networks, and modernize the entire utility sector.

In the current conditions, heating networks at least withstand the loads, but further decisive measures by the Government and akims are indispensable.

The tense situation with heat supply makes us think about the state of the country's energy security. In your Address, you said that the issue of building a nuclear power plant in our country would be put to a national referendum. Despite the fact that the nuclear power plant belongs to the "green" generation, there is no unequivocal opinion on the issue of its construction in society. Plans for nuclear power plants also have a certain geopolitical dimension. What is your position?

Clean nuclear energy is very important for Kazakhstan. This is a fundamental issue for the future of our economy. We rank first in the world in terms of the volume of natural uranium mined, and we have our own production of nuclear fuel components. Therefore, I pay special attention to the construction of nuclear power plants on the territory of our country. At the end of the day, the issue of energy security should be addressed on the basis of real needs and opportunities, and of course on the basis of scientific research, not on the basis of geopolitical considerations.

Among the citizens, there are those who are critical of the construction of the nuclear power plant. This is quite understandable, many people remember well the tragic consequences of the tests at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. There are other complexities that need to be taken into account, such as the cost of the project, environmental aspects.

Therefore, understanding the importance of the issue, I proposed to submit the issue of the construction of a nuclear power plant to a national referendum. The fact that decisions on the most important issues for the people will be made through referendums was stated in the election platform with which I went to the elections in 2019. This is the practical implementation of the concept of a "listening state" and the principles of a Just Kazakhstan.

Broad public hearings are ahead of us. Citizens should consider and discuss all the arguments of experts "for" and "against" in order to make an informed and well-thought-out decision in the course of free expression of will. It will be the decision of the people.

– Last year was very eventful in the foreign policy sphere. Kazakhstan's position has been very weightily voiced at many summits and forums. You have held many meetings with world leaders, and the C5+ regional format has become very popular. To a large extent, this is due to your authority in world diplomacy. What landmark foreign policy events are expected in the coming period?

By pursuing a balanced and pragmatic foreign policy, Kazakhstan protects its national interests and solves the strategic tasks facing us. Our priorities remain unchanged – to ensure the inviolability of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, to protect the rights and interests of the citizens of Kazakhstan, and to create favorable external conditions for sustainable economic growth. As Minister for Foreign Affairs for ten years, I have been intimately involved in the formulation of these priorities.

In the current difficult geopolitical conditions, it is important for Kazakhstan to develop mutually beneficial and pragmatic cooperation with all our foreign partners and, above all, neighbors.

You have rightly noted the relevance of the C5+ format, because Central Asia is a dynamically developing region with its own vision of geopolitical realities, wide opportunities in trade, investment, business, and innovation. That is why interest in Central Asia is growing significantly in the world, and the demand for the C5+ dialogue platform is increasing.

The active development of relations between the countries of the region and influential external players would be impossible without a regular and trusting dialogue at the highest level. In this regard, significant progress has been made in recent years, and the annual Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia have become productive. By the way, this year Kazakhstan will host the next meeting of this format.

As I have already said, 2024 will be marked by Kazakhstan's chairmanship in several influential regional and international organizations and associations.

An important event will be the Astana International Forum in June this year with the participation of leaders of a number of states and global companies. Such global problems as climate change, food shortages and energy security are traditionally discussed at this platform.

Of great importance is the agreement with France on the joint organization of the One Water Summit International Forum on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, which is designed to contribute to the global climate agenda.

– Presidential elections in Russia are scheduled for March 2024. How will this event affect the global and regional agenda?

In terms of elections, this year will be a landmark for many countries. In addition to Russia, election campaigns will be held in the United States, Azerbaijan, Great Britain, India and other countries, as well as elections to the European Parliament. Of course, we will closely monitor these electoral processes.

Of course, the presidential elections in Russia are of particular interest to us because of the high level of relations between Astana and Moscow. Everyone knows that Russia is Kazakhstan's main strategic partner and ally. Over the past 30 years, we have built an impressive architecture of interstate relations, including more than 300 treaties and agreements. Mechanisms of bilateral cooperation operate in almost all spheres.

Political dialogue at the highest level is intensively developing. We cooperate within the framework of multilateral structures, as well as in ensuring regional stability and international security.

One of the key events in last year's extensive bilateral agenda was Vladimir Putin's official visit to Kazakhstan. During the talks, we reaffirmed the invariably friendly nature of the relations of strategic partnership between our states.

Russia is one of Kazakhstan's main trade and economic partners. The trade turnover between the two countries for 10 months of 2023 amounted to $21.4 billion. And this is not surprising, because we have the longest continuous land border in the world.

Traditionally, special attention is paid to the expansion of cultural and humanitarian ties and scientific and educational contacts. By the way, this year marks the 225th anniversary of the birth of the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. This anniversary is significant not only for Russia, but also for Kazakhstan. Because Pushkin, like our great Abai, is one of the main symbols of friendship and cultural interaction between the two peoples.

It should be understood that the Russian Federation plays an extremely important role in world politics and has the status of a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Russian President Vladimir Putin is a leader who, through his words and actions, essentially shapes the global agenda. Russia's opinion is taken into account all over the world, and without the participation of this state, not a single world problem can be solved, and this is a fact.

Therefore, a presidential election in a country like Russia will be of great international importance and will attract the attention of most countries in the world.

- Relations with China occupy a special place in Kazakhstan's foreign policy. Over the past few years, there have been positive shifts in the perception of the eastern neighbor in Kazakh society. What are the prospects for further building relations with China?

Today, relations between Kazakhstan and China are actively developing in the spirit of friendship, good neighborliness, and eternal strategic partnership.

Together with President Xi Jinping, we have launched a new "golden thirtieth anniversary" of cooperation between Kazakhstan and China. Two visits to China last year are clear evidence of this.

During substantive talks with the Chinese leader in Xi'an and Beijing, we reached important agreements and outlined concrete ways to implement them.

Such personal contacts fully reflect the high level of ties between Astana and Beijing. Kazakh-Chinese relations can be confidently called exemplary.

Mutual trade is showing unprecedented growth - in the first 10 months of 2023, it reached $24.3 billion, setting a new record. We are actively working to expand the range of exports of our products and increase the volume of supplies to China.

In addition, China has traditionally been one of the largest investors in the economy of Kazakhstan. $24 billion of Chinese investment has already been accumulated in our country.

The common border with China, the favorable geographical position of Kazakhstan between the East and the West - all this opens up wide prospects for our country for the transit of Chinese goods in various directions. During my participation in the Third High-Level Forum "One Belt, One Road" in Beijing, such important agreements as the Agreement on the joint development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the Memorandum on the joint construction of the Ayagoz-Tacheng railway were signed. I am confident that they will give an additional impetus to the development of the transport and logistics sector of our country. Kazakhstan firmly supports China's "One Belt, One Road" mega-project, as evidenced by my speech at the forum in Beijing last October.

The entry into force of a visa-free regime between Kazakhstan and China is extremely important - Kazakhstanis have the right to freely visit this country. I hope that many of our fellow citizens will take advantage of this opportunity.

With regard to China, we should not have fears brought in from outside or based on perceptions of bygone days. Now China is a highly developed state, including in the field of high technology. This is recognized by the whole world. Therefore, it is extremely important for Kazakhstan to cooperate with our eastern neighbor, to effectively use all the advantages of such friendly relations and mutual trust.

– At the recent ceremony of awarding the winners of the "Paryz" and "Altyn Sapa" awards, you called on your compatriots to look forward, to focus on long-term goals. In particular, you said that society should not slip into archaism and turn away from the path of progress. What did you mean by that? What, in your opinion, should our society focus on?

In addition to current tasks, it is very important for us to focus on long-term goals. We often attach great importance to secondary issues, waste our energy on small topics, or worse, fall for someone else's false agenda. We must not be distracted by all this and lose sight of our strategic national orientations.

Moreover, we should not slip into the archaic, indulging in empty discussions about past greatness or grievances. Of course, history is an important component of our national identity, so the state is now carrying out systematic activities in this direction. A lot of thematic literature is being published, specialized scientific institutions are being created and existing institutes are being modernized. Recently, a large amount of research work has been completed to rehabilitate the victims of Stalin's repressions. In short, the study of our centuries-old history and the restoration of historical justice will always be one of our priorities.

But what is more important is not who we were, but who we are and, most importantly, who we will be. We must be united in understanding not only what a difficult path we have traveled, but also what we are striving for. We need to live not by memories of the past, but by aspirations for the future, to prove the greatness of our nation by our deeds.

We need to get rid of cultural imitation, false patriotism, and unbridled bluster. At the same time, it is necessary not to turn a blind eye to the existing shortcomings, but to work on their elimination. What I am talking about is critical to Kazakhstan's future in this ever-turbulent world.

For the new rise of our nation, we must constantly absorb everything progressive and get rid of everything that drags the country back. The cult of work and productive creativity should take root in our society, the power of knowledge and creative thinking should triumph, the principle of pragmatism and a realistic attitude to life should prevail. I must tell the truth that not all representatives of the intelligentsia who claim to be the "conscience of the nation" are worthily fulfilling this noble mission. Instead of real spiritual shepherding, we hear whining about petty topics, habitual self-glorification, and complaints about the authorities for not paying attention to their material issues. In this way, the development of the national ideology is misled.

As a progressive nation, we must look only forward, think about what unites us, not what divides us. It is necessary to put national values at the forefront. I have spoken about them many times, but I will repeat them again. Unity, solidarity, diligence, the cult of knowledge, professionalism, mutual support, entrepreneurship, initiative, honesty, modesty, thrift – this is a set of values and qualities of true citizens and patriots. They are the ones who will make our nation stronger and allow us to achieve success. By cultivating these ideals, we will be able to shape a new quality of our nation.

– I can't avoid another topic that worries the whole society. Recently, there has been an increase in violence and brutality. Every day there is news about the beating of women and children, and cases of rape are not uncommon. What measures are being taken by the State to eradicate such crimes?

On my instructions, systemic measures are already being taken to prevent and suppress such crimes. Specialization of female investigators in the investigation of violent crimes committed against women and children has been introduced, staff has been restored and the activities of internal affairs units to protect women from violence have been strengthened.

Last year, we went even further and revised our approaches to responding to domestic crime. Since July 1, the police have switched from the declarative to the revealing nature of their registration. Now, the police do not need a statement from a victim of domestic violence to open a case. Administrative and criminal liability for domestic violence has been significantly strengthened. In order to eliminate pressure on the victims, the possibility of re-reconciliation of the parties in such cases has been eliminated.

In addition, as part of the implementation of my Address, a group of deputies of the Mazhilis is preparing a draft law that will provide for new effective measures to counter domestic violence.

After the high-profile murder of a woman by her husband in November last year, an unofficial petition began to collect signatures on the Internet to toughen punishment for violence against women and children in the family and domestic sphere. However, questions later arose about its legitimacy, as the law on petitions will only come into force in April this year. Many worry that the problem will not get off the ground. Put it bluntly: Are you for or against tougher penalties for domestic violence?

I am in favor of strengthening the principle of law and order, so I want to clearly and unequivocally state: I support tougher punishment for domestic violence. Regardless of whether the petition complies with the requirements of the law, the opinion of citizens presented in it will certainly be taken into account – there can be no doubt about this.

At the same time, it is important to understand that any legislative changes will not be effective if there is no complete rejection and "zero tolerance" for any form of aggression and violence in society. You must admit that it looks strange when people, on the one hand, demand tougher punishment for violence, and on the other hand, admire the "romance" of the criminal world, idolize the heroes of movies that trample on the law, or even real criminals. Together, we must oppose any attempts to justify destructive, anti-social behavior and fight against legal nihilism. Lawlessness and cruelty must be resolutely and unanimously opposed. We, as a society, must reject any violation of norms and rules, any disrespect for universal values.

– The people you work with describe you as a demanding leader. What principles do you follow in your HR policy, how do you build relationships with your subordinates?

For me, it is fundamentally important that civil servants are not just professionals who flawlessly perform their direct duties, but show initiative and prove by personal example the usefulness and irreversibility of changes. They must have the appropriate knowledge and competencies, possess high human qualities, be collected and disciplined.

It is not so much the personal loyalty of my subordinates that is important to me, but their commitment to the idea of building a Just Kazakhstan.

The main requirement for officials and managers at all levels is their ability to keep abreast of public sentiments and events, to listen and hear people's aspirations, to respond to them in a timely and effective manner, and to make the right decisions. They should follow the principle "not the person for the state, but the state for the person".

- As a follow-up to the question about personnel... Thanks to the reforms, many young people have the opportunity to realize themselves in the civil service. Today, young people are represented at all levels, including the Parliament, maslikhats, and ministries. You have always supported the new generation. However, there is an opinion that young managers lack experience and depth of views. What do you think about this?

I believe in our youth. Therefore, comprehensive measures have been taken that have opened the way for young people to enter the executive and legislative branches. The Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve was created. Young professionals who passed several stages of selection were given the opportunity to take leadership positions in the civil service.

As part of the political reforms, a quota has been introduced for women, youth and persons with special needs in the electoral party lists and in the distribution of deputy mandates. Many young patriots were able to become deputies of the Mazhilis and Maslikhats, the voice of young people in representative bodies became louder. Such steps gave impetus to the renewal of the authorities.

Now the world is changing very rapidly, not from year to year, but almost from day to day. New technologies, professions and industries are emerging, and approaches to work and management are being revised. In these conditions, the role of young people, who are able to learn new skills and effectively apply advanced knowledge, is increasing. It has a progressive mindset, is focused on the future, on progressive development. Therefore, I cannot agree that young people lack depth of vision. But as long as there should be a fusion of experience and new ideas in the power structures, experiments are inappropriate here. I know that some unscrupulous "experts" stubbornly promote the thesis that President Tokayev has mothballed the system, nothing new and good has happened, the old cadres have remained in place. This is a great cunning, the ultimate goal of which is to destabilize and undermine statehood. Haste can lead to irreparable consequences.

Yes, young managers do not have enough experience, ambitions and lack of critical self-esteem sometimes prevent them from properly self-realization. Nevertheless, we give a chance to a new generation of professionals to prove themselves. This policy will be continued.

The memoirs of the First President caused a strong reaction in society. You've probably read this book too. What are your impressions as a direct witness of many of the decisions and events mentioned in the book? Are you going to write your own memoirs?

In my opinion, this book is of interest as a chronicle of the construction of Independence. As one wit put it, memoirs are all the more important because if there is only 50 percent of the truth, it is enough to give an idea of the scale of historical events.

Nursultan Nazarbayev is a historical figure, a witness of several eras. He began his career as a Komsomol activist under Khrushchev, retiring after more than sixty years. His contribution to the formation of independent Kazakhstan is obvious, he deserves a fair historical assessment.

I usually read memoirs, journalism, and political essays with interest. But as for writing my own memoirs, I don't have time for that right now.

– They say that at one time you forbade the leadership of the regions to meet you with flowers at the gangway and, moreover, to arrange feasts, pompous concerts and shows. Is that really the case?

During my first trips around the country as President, local akims tried to arrange magnificent ceremonies, luxurious feasts, and install billboards. This practice has been discontinued. I visit the regions for work purposes, with a business programme. I am sure that this practice of working on the ground will take root, and we will completely move away from solemn ceremonies with the involvement of the public and large expenditures of financial resources.

- Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich, thank you for the informative conversation. I am sure that we are in for an eventful year. In conclusion, I would like to ask another personal question: how did you celebrate the beginning of the new year 2024?

The New Year is, of course, an important milestone associated with the change of calendar dates. It has become customary that these days we are summing up certain results and making plans for the future. At the same time, for me, the New Year has no sacred significance. In addition, we should not forget that we have our own New Year – Nauryz, which embodies the beginning of a new life cycle of nature.

Nauryz symbolizes renewal, and it should also be celebrated in a new way: meaningfully, creatively, with the introduction of new distinctive elements. I am confident that this will contribute to the consolidation of society and the strengthening of our national identity.

In conclusion, I would like to wish all our compatriots happiness and prosperity! Most importantly, let there be harmony and peace in our country! May our native Kazakhstan prosper! [My Emphasis]

Interviewed by Dikhan Kamzabekuly.

Lots of new terms, and there’ll be more to come as we read interviews of other CIS presidents in the future. I see Putin’s influence on the political-economic area and possibly in the area of the constitution. The explanation of what’s now called Kantar was well stated. From Tokayev’s descriptions, Nazarbayev neglected the needs of the people which provided fuel for the Kantar. Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth largest nation but has only 20 million inhabitants—16 people per square mile. Long ago I read one of the few reference works, The Kazakhs, that was written during Soviet times and apparently is finally being updated with a two volume history I’d like to get when available. Kazakhs have their own specific civilizational nature that’s finally emerging. Perhaps by 2100 Humanity will finally be able to recognize and celebrate its overall civilizational heritage while enjoying global peace.

*
*
*
Like what you’ve been reading at Karlof1’s Substack? Then please consider subscribing and choosing to make a monthly/yearly pledge to enable my efforts in this challenging realm. Thank You!