President Tokayev Comments on the Tragic January Events in Kazakhstan, Discusses Planned Political and Economic Reforms, Adresses Relations with Russia

Nur-Sultan, 17 February 2022 – The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, gave a wide-ranging interview to Qazaqstan TV February 17, which covered his assessment of January’s tragic events in the country, his vison for planned political and economic reforms, relations with Russia, the legacy of the first President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, and other topics.

Speaking about the tragic events in January, the President noted that “of course, it all started with peaceful rallies”, during which people expressed their demands and discontent. “Indeed, there were no pogroms or criminal acts during such protests”, he said. He noted, however, that the situation completely changed direction, as provocateurs and bandits used the situation for their own purposes. Their goal, according to the President, was not to participate in peaceful rallies, but to attack the authorities. He said: “It was a planned action. At the centre of the January events were criminal groups and terrorists, who underwent special training and led bandits and criminals.” The head of state stressed that “these groups tried to carry out a coup” and their actions were “directed against our statehood, the integrity of the country and the security of the people.”

President Tokayev pointed out that ordinary citizens, who came to peaceful rallies, “fell for their bait.” He noted that for this reason, “our task now is to figure out who is a criminal and who is not”, adding that “everything will become clear after the results of the investigation”, which, he said “will take some time.”

Tokayev also stated that the conspirators wanted to “reverse the course of reforms because they could affect their personal interests.” The President clarified that the main objectives of the reforms include building a just society, de-monopolization, implementing political transformation, and accelerating the country’s economic development.

The interviewer then turned to the topic of ensuring the rights of the detainees and brought up complaints of torture that have been shared on social media. President Tokayev underlined categorially that “such actions are unacceptable.” He pointed out that special public commissions have been established by the Ombudswoman for Human Rights Elvira Azimova, well-known human rights activists Aiman Umarova, Zhemis Turmagambetova, Abzal Kuspan and other lawyers. They are scrutinizing compliance with the law as they investigate each case of potential infringement of the rights of the detainees. The President emphasized that all those responsible for violations of human rights will be held accountable, emphasizing that “human rights are a very important priority for me, the most important one today.”

Turning to the involvement of the CSTO to support Kazakhstan’s law enforcement in restoring law and order during the January unrest, President Tokayev said he does not regret the decision to ask for help, explaining that “had the CSTO peacekeeping contingent not been introduced, the terrorists would have captured other cities.” He rebutted claims that Kazakhstan is now indebted to Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling such suggestions “empty talk”, especially as the CSTO contingent is not “a personal army of Vladimir Putin or Russia, but part of the CSTO organisation that Kazakhstan is a member of.”

The President also refuted claims that Russia is interested in acquiring the territory of northern Kazakhstan, stressing that “there have never been territorial disputes between the leadership of the two states, so there’s no cause for concern.” Tokayev added that Kazakhstan must continue to strengthen political, trade, economic and cultural ties with Russia, as this meets the strategic interests of the country.

Returning to domestic issues, President Tokayev acknowledged that “most of the population has a low standard of living, while the lion’s share of the state’s wealth is concentrated in the hands of a narrow group of people, which is causing inequality to grow.” Responding to the interviewer’s point that many of Kazakhstan’s citizens expressed dissatisfaction with the first president and his family, the head of state said “the contribution and efforts of Nursultan Nazarbayev over the last 30 years should not be forgotten”, adding that “Nazarbayev laid the foundations of our statehood, and made a great contribution to strengthening the country.” He further stated: “We are obliged to give an objective assessment of his activities. If the first president had shortcomings, they need to be taken as an admonition to young leaders.”

Turning to building a New Kazakhstan, President Tokayev said: “We must propagate the ideology of diligence and knowledge. If we are recognized in the world as a hardworking, conscientious nation, this will have a positive impact on our economy.” Regarding political reforms that will be announced in mid-March, Tokayev said: “I know our citizens are eagerly awaiting the reforms. That is why I had called for building the New Kazakhstan together.”

Staying on the issue of political reforms, the President said he is of the firm belief in the constitutional provision setting the two-term limit on the head of state in his position. He went on to say that in his mid-March state-of-the-nation address he may outline “proposals on this important issue”, adding that now it is premature to say whether he himself will run again or not.

He pointed out that out of his main goals is to get rid of monopolies as much as possible, whether in economics or politics and stressed that “the most important issue for our society is the rule of law.”

The President also discussed funds that have been illegally taken abroad from Kazakhstan, stating that “it is necessary to return these funds to the homeland.” He added the Government will submit specific proposals to him in this regard.

The head of state also confirmed that elections of district akims (mayors) will take place in 2024, adding that “perhaps we can start this work as a pilot project as early as next year.”

Concluding the interview, President Tokayev addressed the citizens by stating that “only we ourselves can decide the fate of people of Kazakhstan in this world.”  

“Whether we become a prosperous country depends not only on authorities. It depends on every citizen,” he concluded.