On June 27, 2024, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke at a ceremony to honor media workers, highlighting significant political reforms over the past five years.
“Over the past five years, we have implemented large-scale political reforms. The political system of Kazakhstan has undergone fundamental changes. The influence of Parliament has significantly increased, and the responsibility of the Government has grown. The system of checks and balances between the branches of government has become stronger. The role of political parties in society has been strengthened. We have developed specific mechanisms to allow our citizens to openly express their opinions and engage in social activity. The electoral process has been improved, with the introduction of direct elections for village and district akims. The political and social culture has undergone significant changes,” said Tokayev.
One of the most significant initiatives was the introduction of a single seven-year presidential term, which Tokayev described as a key step in establishing new standards of public administration.
“Reforms and transformations will continue. The most important thing is that all changes are carried out according to the will of the people. Therefore, we will never turn back and will only move forward. We have formed a new economic course. In a word, we are consistently moving towards becoming an advanced country,” the president noted.
Tokayev emphasized the crucial role of journalists in explaining and promoting these important initiatives.
“We can rightfully say that we are carrying out all the reforms together with you. But it is one thing to launch reforms, and another to establish them. To do this, public consciousness must be completely renewed. As you know, at the meeting of the National Kurultai in Atyrau, I spoke about basic values that are of particular importance for the formation of a new quality of the nation. Frankly, the consolidation of these values in the public consciousness directly depends on journalists. Without the help of media representatives, it is impossible to convey them to the public. Therefore, I hope that the journalistic community will take this important direction seriously. Every word spoken in the name of social renewal can bring us closer to achieving our goals,” Tokayev said.
He also addressed the issue of social evils, emphasizing the joint effort required to protect society from drug addiction, gambling addiction, domestic violence, vandalism, and waste.
“The state is taking concrete measures in this direction,” the head of state concluded.
