Following the vote, the President held a briefing for local media, sharing his thoughts on the referendum’s significance and potential outcomes.
“Today will undoubtedly go down in history. Our citizens face an important choice—to build or not to build a nuclear power plant. A referendum is a powerful tool of direct democracy. The state will respect the will of the people, whatever their decision may be. I am confident that the right choice will be made. This is a momentous occasion, and I fully support the referendum process,” Tokayev said.
The President was then asked about who would oversee the construction of the plant should the referendum result in public support for the project.
“This is a complex issue. The government must conduct thorough analysis and negotiations. My view is that an international consortium, comprising global companies with cutting-edge technologies, should be responsible for the project in Kazakhstan. As they say, time will tell,” Tokayev remarked.
He was also questioned about the lessons learned from the unprecedented spring floods earlier this year.
“Conclusions are being drawn, but we must recognize that similar natural disasters have affected many parts of the world. Recently, major floods hit Central Europe, a hurricane swept through the U.S., and Vietnam experienced a massive storm. These events are difficult to predict, but preparedness and preventive measures are essential. Kazakhstan managed this challenge without outside assistance, mobilizing our own financial and human resources. Thanks to the diligent efforts of the government and regional leaders, we were able to address the consequences. New housing has been provided to those affected. I made a promise that no one would be left behind, and we have largely fulfilled that,” Tokayev emphasized.
Journalists also asked about the President’s focus on supporting young people, including winners of international competitions.
“There is a deeper meaning behind this. I always support young people because the future of our nation lies in their hands. This is not just rhetoric, it is a key policy of our country. We will continue to support youth, especially talented individuals. Yesterday, during the awards ceremony for teachers, I mentioned that educators are the most vital part of society as they pass on knowledge to the younger generation. Therefore, the state will support both youth and their teachers. I have also said that teachers should play a leading role in our society, and by supporting them, we raise their status and respect,” Tokayev said.
During the briefing, the President was also asked to evaluate the performance of the current government.
“In my opinion, the government is working hard to fulfill the tasks I have set. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that may not be visible to the media. I stay informed, read extensively, and am aware of all events. Of course, I also point out areas where improvement is needed, whether with ministers or the government as a whole. However, seven months is not a long time. The main priority is to identify new sources of economic growth,” the President concluded.
