Toqayev Signs Decree Defining Kazakhstan’s Domestic Policy Principles

On November 5, President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev signed a decree titled “On Approving the Fundamental Principles, Values, and Directions of the Domestic Policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.”

The new document aims to ensure that government institutions act in a unified direction rather than separately, Orda.kz reports.

The idea for a consolidated domestic policy framework was first proposed by Majilis deputy Aidos Sarym at the National Qurultay in March 2025. Eight months later, the concept has now been formalized.

According to the document, the policy is intended to help Kazakhstan “adapt effectively to new internal and external realities” and define “the basic principles of creative interaction between state institutions and society.”

It was developed based on the president’s previous addresses, the National Development Plan until 2029, and recommendations from members of the National Qurultay, government agencies, and civic organizations.

The section titled “The Goal and Principles of Domestic Policy” attracted particular attention from experts. Most of its key ideas have already been voiced by the president in speeches over recent years, but now they are consolidated into one legal framework.

Law and Order

The document was developed based on the president's addresses to the people of Kazakhstan and speeches by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the National Development Plan of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2029, taking into account proposals from members of the National Qurultay, government agencies, public and scientific organizations.

This principle envisions stronger courts, modernized law enforcement through digital tools and AI, and higher public trust. 

However, implementation remains inconsistent: questions persist about judicial competence and law enforcement accountability, particularly in responding to domestic violence, despite recent legal reforms such as the Saltanat Law.

The Listening State

This principle is implemented through the effective work of courts and law enforcement agencies, the improvement of law enforcement practices through the introduction of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and increased public trust in the law enforcement system.

In practice, however, such engagement remains limited.

The eOtinish platform has become a vehicle for formal replies.

Meanwhile, questions remain about the judges' competence, especially at the first instance level, a statement that extends to law enforcement agencies.

Incidentally, Orda.kz representatives are currently trying to get an appointment with the Prosecutor General, but they have been unable to. The rules for in-person meetings with prosecutorial authorities include the following phrase: 

That is, if the Prosecutor General deems it necessary, he can send a person to his subordinate in the region, city, or district. 

Various Opinions – One Nation

In practice, this principle is implemented through citizen voting in elections and referendums, the activities of dialogue platforms and consultative bodies, and the ongoing study of public opinion.

Elections and referendums are indeed being held.

However, there are questions about the election campaigns. The recent akim election in Semey, for instance, passed almost unnoticed, mirroring the low activity of official dialogue platforms.

Strong President, Influential Parliament, Accountable Government

This model of governance creates a new institutional design for a just state structure with an optimal balance between the branches of government.

Whether this balance is optimal is a personal opinion.

Adal Azamat (Honest Citizen)

'Adal azamat' is a collective image of a law-abiding, educated, patriotic, responsible citizen who, through conscientious work, achieves well-deserved success and recognition in society.

One would like to believe that the majority of Kazakhstanis fit this description.

This is a principle that, if previously voiced, was much less emphatic than others.

 Taza Kazakhstan

In practice, this principle is embodied in the nationwide project 'Taza Kazakhstan,' which unites the efforts of the state and society to clean, green, and improve cities and villages, improve the ecological environment, and combat vandalism and lack of culture.

Contractors for major improvement projects stand to follow this principle.

Pavlodar River Port has been unable to complete the reconstruction of the embankment of Almaty's Lake Sairan for several years.

The decree concludes by aligning each principle with a policy direction:

• “Law and order” — foundation of the rule of law
  
• “Listening State” — tool of interaction
  
• “Different opinions – one nation” — means of mutual understanding
  
• “Strong president, influential parliament, accountable government” — model of governance
  
• “Adal azamat” — way of thinking
  
• “Taza Kazakhstan” — ethic of behavior

Whether these principles will extend beyond paper and take real effect remains to be seen.

Original Author: Igor Ulitin