"There Are Still Speculations and Different Versions of What Happened around Qantar" - Toqayev

In an interview with Ana Tili, President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev discussed the factors that led to the mass unrest during Qantar.

The President says three years later, most Kazakshtanis understand that the following reasons led to Qantar:

Obvious social injustice, political stagnation, as well as the irrepressible ambitions of the conspirators, their indifference to the fate of the people and the state.

Toqayev noted that Kazakhstan is neither the first nor likely the last nation to face such challenges.

There are still speculations and different versions of what happened around Qantar. Especially since some biased individuals, with certain political calculations, are juggling facts and trying to manipulate the emotions of citizens, said Qasym-Jomart Toqayev.

He highlighted his directive for an objective investigation into the January events, including parliamentary hearings addressing difficult questions.

One thing is clear: if there had been no decisive action against the instigators of the unrest and the organizers of the attempted coup, Kazakhstan would now be a completely different state, with much less independence and limited sovereignty, Toqayev believes.

The President outlined several key lessons from Qantar:

First, authority in the country must be consolidated, no dual power. Second, the Head of State is a state manager hired for a certain period, and not the 'shadow of the Almighty.' Third, we need a careful selection of candidates for high government positions, including heads of law enforcement agencies, they must be devoted to the Motherland, the Republic of Kazakhstan. And most importantly, we need to implement the principles of justice everywhere, to protect the unity of the people like the apple of our eye based on the concept of 'Law and Order.' Those who are against this concept, advocate anarchy in society in the name of 'democratic values,' in fact, they want to undermine the Kazakh statehood, the Head of State said.

Original Author: Igor Ulitin