Key Takeaways from President Toqayev’s National Qurultay Address

At the National Qurultay in Burabay, President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev addressed key national issues, Orda reports.

Raising VAT: A Necessary Step for a Social State

Toqayev spoke about the increase in VAT:

There is already an understanding among experts and society about the need to raise the VAT rate. While some criticize this move, they fail to consider the real situation. Many countries do not take on extensive social obligations. In Kazakhstan, the social sector is a priority, and we must continue investing. However, assistance should be provided only to those who truly need it. Fraud and abuse will not be tolerated. Non-priority expenditures will be reduced.

Toqayev also raised concerns about businesses avoiding taxes by splitting into multiple small enterprises.

The government has rightly focused on the issue of business fragmentation for tax avoidance. Unfortunately, this is widespread. I was even informed that a single restaurant registered 3–4 small businesses, with the bar counter itself listed as a separate entity.

The President criticized loopholes in legislation, which have created an unfair divide between businesses that comply with tax laws and those that exploit legal gaps.

Officials chased attractive numbers — claiming we have over two million taxpayers and individual entrepreneurs — but failed to analyze the real dаta: What are these businesses? Where did they come from? Do they even pay taxes?

He called for reforms to close these loopholes and ensure fair taxation.

Meanwhile, the President also called for reducing the shadow market of digital assets.

To address the issue, Toqayev has urged to liberalize the digital asset sector to bring transactions into the legal framework.

Urgent measures must be taken to liberalize industry regulations, ensuring the legal circulation of digital assets, the operation of crypto exchanges, and attracting investments in digital mining.

Toqayev's proposal aims to reduce illegal crypto transactions, encourage investment in blockchain technologies, and create a transparent regulatory environment for Kazakhstan’s growing digital economy.

Single Time Zone

Toqayev announced that Kazakhstan will move forward with the unified time zone following discussions with parliament and government experts.

Kazakhstan is a vast country with a relatively small population. A single time zone will simplify governance, optimize logistics, and improve business processes. This decision should not be politicized.

Concerns Regarding Society

Toqayev also responded to concerns from members of parliament and religious experts about the spread of extremist religious ideologies, particularly among young athletes.

Kazakhstan guarantees freedom of religion, but chaos and permissiveness are unacceptable. Destructive ideologies that contradict our cultural values must be curbed. Religion should serve as a unifying force for the nation. Regulations governing religious organizations must reflect this mission and be adapted to new challenges.

He also addressed ethics in social media, highlighting the increasing incidents of online insults, defamation, and misinformation.

Public figures have raised concerns about social ethics. Cases of public humiliation and the spread of false information on social media have become more frequent. We must consider measures to prevent such unacceptable behavior.

Additionally, Toqayev ordered authorities to combat online fraud, particularly scams disguised as charity campaigns.

Qurultay members raised concerns about the rise in fraud cases where criminals collect money under the guise of charity and use it for personal gain. Many fall victim to internet scams.

He also criticized pseudo-psychologists and self-proclaimed coaches who take advantage of vulnerable individuals.

Many people trusted them and ended up deceived. I receive numerous complaints about such cases. Authorities must pay attention to these issues.

Toqayev criticized local governments for the arbitrary renaming of streets and towns, often influenced by regional and familial ties rather than historical significance.

A major effort is underway to bring order to the naming of streets and settlements. Local authorities have made many mistakes, assigning names based on personal or regional connections. This is why we have centralized this process, and parliament has supported this initiative.

He emphasized that historical figures should be honored based on verified archival evidence, not myths.

Some officials, who built their careers in independent Kazakhstan, are now glorifying Soviet figures — including those linked to Asharshylyq (the famine). This is a troubling phenomenon that needs to be addressed.

Toqayev addressed concerns about Kazakhstani cinema:

The priority should be quality over quantity. Entertaining audiences is one thing, but promoting indecent behavior is another. Some films glorify violence, cruelty, and criminal lifestyles.

He called for stricter pre-screening of films before public release.

Cinema is a powerful ideological tool. We must introduce measures to ensure thorough content evaluation before distribution.

President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev has also instructed the development of a Regional Development Concept to reduce disparities in living standards and infrastructure across Kazakhstan's regions.

The plan will introduce new strategies to bridge gaps in environmental conditions, infrastructure, social welfare, and other key sectors.

Efforts must be focused on addressing these disparities. The Regional Development Concept is being developed with new approaches to eliminate imbalances between regions and improve interagency coordination,Toqayev stated. 

He emphasized that local and central authorities must align their efforts to ensure adequate regional development.

Toqayev also highlighted the increasing risks of natural disasters, particularly spring floods in northern regions and summer wildfires.

I believe central and local authorities have learned from last year's floods. As summer approaches, wildfire risks will increase, making it crucial to keep disaster prevention measures under constant control,he concluded. 

President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev expressed support for the current U.S. administration’s efforts under President Donald Trump to expose large-scale abuses:

For decades, many countries were pressured into accepting so-called democratic moral values, including LGBT ideologies. Under this guise, international NGOs and organizations blatantly interfered in their internal affairs. In reality, it was quite simple —billions were embezzled. The personal wealth of nearly all self-proclaimed champions of 'progress and democracy,' 'human rights,' 'press freedom,' and 'anti-corruption' does not match their official salaries. Everyone knows that what happens in the U.S. has a direct impact on the world.

Toqayev emphasized that Kazakhstan has always prioritized balancing historical, traditional, and modern values while maintaining a pragmatic approach to politics.

Current global events have proven that our course is the right one. While we must always consider international developments, our primary focus should be on our domestic agenda. To protect our national interests, we must continue to act pragmatically and rationally. 

Toqayev also spoke about nuclear energy. The President emphasized the need to build three nuclear power plants and establish a comprehensive nuclear energy cluster in Kazakhstan.

By approving the decision to build the first nuclear power plant in a referendum, our citizens have set this process in motion.

He ordered the creation of a Nuclear Energy Agency under the President to oversee these efforts.

Given the strategic importance of this task, I have decided to establish the Nuclear Energy Agency under the President. We must fully utilize our potential in gas and coal power generation, as well as in renewable energy sources.

Encouraging Traditional Kazakh Clothing, National Pride

Toqayev supported the growing trend of wearing Kazakh national attire, particularly in schools, workplaces, and major companies.

The rising popularity of national clothing has led to the opening of new tailoring workshops, brands, and stores. It is becoming a normal part of daily life, which is a very positive trend. Instead of wearing black garments that conceal the face, it is far better to embrace national attire. Our traditional clothing highlights ethnic identity and should be actively promoted. 

President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev highlighted reinstating the historical self-designation "Qazaq" as a key step in restoring historical justice.

We must openly acknowledge that reclaiming our indigenous name was an important step in restoring historical justice. Saken Seifullin played a pivotal role in this process. As head of the government, he launched an ideological campaign, writing the article 'Let’s Call Qazaqs Qazaqs, Let’s Correct the Mistake' (‘Қазақты қазақ дейік, қатені түзетейік'). Such defining milestones must be preserved in our nation's historical memory.

Toqayev also referenced Kazakh writer Tolen Abdik, who, in an article published earlier this year in Yegemen Qazaqstan, emphasized a traditional Kazakh imperative:

Do not be only your father’s son — be a person" (‘Атаның баласы болма, адамның баласы бол’)

The President used this reference to stress the importance of balanced national pride.

Here, I want to make this point: placing one's nation above others leads nowhere good in the end. Our people are not inferior to others — that is a fact. But we must also acknowledge that we are not superior to others. We will not be wrong in saying that our nation is brilliant. But there are many brilliant nations in the world, and that is also true. Some may not like this perspective. However, regardless of opinions, such matters must be spoken about frankly, without distorting reality to please anyone. Every nation, through progress and development, has the potential to achieve great success, Toqayev concluded.

Next National Qurultay to Be Held in Qyzylorda

The 2026 National Qurultay will be held in Qyzylorda to mark the 100th anniversary of the city being designated as Kazakhstan’s capital in 1926.

Given this historical milestone, I propose that the next National Qurultay be held in Qyzylorda — the city that once served as our nation’s capital.

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