The Head of State took part in the VI meeting of the National Council of Public Trust

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the VI meeting of the National Council of Public Trust. During the event, the progress of the implementation of the instructions of the President, previously given within the framework of the National Council, was discussed, as well as the proposals of the members of the Council on issues of public, socio-economic and regional development.

The Head of State noted that the 30th anniversary of Independence is an important milestone in the history of our country. Political modernization, economic restructuring, and the development of the social sphere continue at a high rate. On the basis of the initiatives and proposals of the National Council, more than 90 normative legal acts were adopted, the Head of State noted.

According to the President, any changes should primarily be aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens. He noted that it is necessary to implement only those decisions that are aimed at strengthening and increasing the potential of statehood.

The Head of State recalled that a number of decisions had been made to support socially vulnerable groups of the population. As a result, more than 5,000 teenagers were given the opportunity to study for free. Funding for the education of children with special needs has doubled.

The President noted that with the participation of the National Council, four packages of reforms were formed, aimed at further democratizing the country. Women and youth have additional opportunities to realize their potential. To further create an inclusive society, the President proposed to expand the list of quota categories in the electoral lists of parties to include persons with special needs.

1. Tokayev emphasized that a significant step towards democratization of Kazakh society was the introduction of direct election of mayors of cities of regional significance, villages, townships and rural districts. More than 800 rural mayors have been elected in the country this year. At the same time, the Head of State spoke in favor of improving the institution of the election of mayors.

The President also highlighted the importance of ensuring safety in schools, colleges and universities and the continuing problem of lack of places in schools. The Head of State noted that in his recent Message he ordered the construction of 1,000 schools by the end of 2025.

The President drew attention to the current shortage of medical personnel. In this regard, he called on the heads of local authorities to actively address this issue.

The Head of State put forward a number of proposals to improve the collateral policy of banks and to regulate appraisal activities.

The presentation also noted the need to further strengthen the human rights protection system. He recalled that in June of this year he signed a decree “On further measures of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of human rights”, aimed at a comprehensive modernization of the human rights sphere. Earlier, on the initiative of the President, Kazakhstan joined the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. In a recent Message, the President instructed to harmonize the norms of the Criminal Code with its provisions and to adopt a corresponding law.

To date, on behalf of the Head of State, work is being carried out to optimize all criminal legislation. In particular, the problems of counteracting crimes against the person, including in the family and everyday life, will be comprehensively investigated.

1. Tokayev noted that the transformations in Kazakhstan should contribute to strengthening democratic principles, increasing the welfare of citizens and the implementation of the concept of “Listening State”.