Focus on Economy and Law Enforcement: What to Expect from Government Meeting

Kazakhstan's government will hold an expanded meeting with Qasym-Jomart Toqayev on January 28. 

This event is already being called the year's most important political moment — it will set the country's priorities and development directions.

Orda has consulted political scientists.

Nothing Out of The Ordinary

Political scientist Zamir Karazhanov noted that such events are held with a much larger composition than regular government meetings, indicating their uniqueness.

The expanded government meeting isn't just Ministers. Usually, heads of agencies, state structures that formally don't report to the government, and regional Akims are invited. This allows discussing key issues in the broadest possible format. Other high-ranking officials might also be invited, Karazhanov explained.

He finds it difficult to say which agencies will face criticism:

This year, the law enforcement bloc has been under society's close scrutiny and criticism. The events in Talgar, soldiers' deaths, constant questions to police about violence and crime levels — especially high-profile cases cause justified public outrage. But the country's leadership has reacted calmly, avoiding big statements. Yes, the President raised questions about suicides and violence in the army last year, but unfortunately, we haven't seen systemic changes. Society can criticize and be dissatisfied, but the final word always remains with the President and his team, the political scientist emphasized.

Karazhanov drew attention to problems related to the law enforcement apparatus, which, despite its size, doesn't demonstrate proper efficiency levels.

Speaking about possible government reshuffles, the expert noted that in Kazakhstan, such decisions are often made unexpectedly and not always logically.

Decisions about changing the Prime Minister or other government members can be absolutely unpredictable. For example, the previous Prime Minister left his post, although his successor continued the same line. Currently, I don't see obvious reasons for changing the government. The current cabinet has only been working for a year, and there haven't been any shortcomings that would require immediate measures, he noted.

Nevertheless, Karazhanov emphasized that areas requiring attention remain, including the economic and agricultural sectors. The expert recalled that economic growth in 2024 didn't reach the stated five percent and agricultural problems remain among the most acute.

We have a vast territory, but we face product shortages. This affects prices, product availability, processing. Agriculture requires systemic reforms, like other sectors. For example, given geopolitical tensions, Kazakhstan needs to modernize its military. The world is rapidly transitioning to digital technologies, automation, drones. Our resources should be directed at adapting to these challenges.

Concluding his comments, the political scientist noted that the expanded government meeting will likely be a place for setting long-term tasks and priorities.

However, he believes radical changes shouldn't be expected.

I wouldn't expect big statements or resonant decisions, such as government reshuffles. Reform issues will be resolved gradually, without abrupt movements.

The Economy Above All

Political scientist and diplomat Talgat Kaliyev is confident that President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev announced his speech's central themes at the expanded government meeting in a recent interview.

The expert believes the focus will be on pressing economic issues, investment policy, and possibly criticism of the law enforcement bloc.

The President has already indicated in the interview which problems require urgent solutions. The economic bloc will apparently become the main subject of discussion. Toqayev will likely express dissatisfaction with Ministries' insufficient effectiveness and demand specific measures from them to stabilize the situation,  noted Kaliyev.

He believes economic issues will dominate the meeting's agenda, especially against the backdrop of global challenges.

Kazakhstan faces serious risks: Russia, a key trading partner, continues to feel pressure from sanctions while falling oil prices and a potential slowdown in China's economy add uncertainty.

We see that the country's budget was formed based on an oil price of 75 dollars per barrel, but analysts predict a fall to 60 dollars. This is a serious challenge for the financial system. Additionally, the tenge exchange rate and economic growth prospects in current conditions require immediate intervention.

The expert also noted that Kazakhstan needs to review its investment policy, especially at the regional level.

The President has repeatedly drawn attention to insufficient work by Akimats. They have the authority, resources, and regulatory framework, but activity in attracting investment remains low. This is unacceptable, especially given the need to develop the regional economy.

He also believes that the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Defense, and Prosecutor General's Office might be criticized.

Still, law enforcement officials will likely hear such evaluations at the Security Council meeting.

Original Author: Artem Volkov