Together We Will Build a New Kazakhstan: Tokayev Announces New Decisions

The salaries of officials and deputies in Kazakhstan will remain at their current level for the next five years. This was announced by Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a meeting with the government.

As reported by meduza.io, Tokayev emphasized the necessity to reform the law enforcement system to withstand terrorist attacks, including increasing the salaries of all special forces personnel.

“The tragic events in Kazakhstan occurred due to the failures of some state structures. Officials have noticeably become detached from the realities of citizens, the issue of inequality has worsened, and financial oligarchic groups have benefited from economic growth. The state support measures are directed towards large entities. Friends get everything, while the rest are dealt with by law; this approach must change.

I announce a five-year moratorium on salary increases for government members, regional akims, and deputies. Unnecessary obstacles and barriers to entering civil service should be eliminated—it must be open to any citizen of Kazakhstan. We need to easily part ways with uninitiated officials.

The most important issue is social justice. I propose creating a 'People of Kazakhstan' fund, a national fund that will address healthcare and education issues and focus on social support. Thanks to the first president, many profitable companies have emerged in the country, and there is a layer of wealthy individuals—we know them by name. They should make significant annual contributions to this fund. I also expect active participation from those in the shadows. Together we will build a new Kazakhstan,” announced Tokayev.

Protests in Kazakhstan began at the beginning of the year following the government’s decision to raise liquid gas prices. Over several days, the protests escalated into clashes with police and unrest. On January 6, the CSTO announced the start of a peacekeeping mission in the country. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev labeled the protests an attempted coup d'état involving foreign militants. The President assessed the damage caused by the unrest at $2-3 billion.