Vice Finance Minister Explains 13 Budget Amendments in 2024 

Vice Finance Minister Yerzhan Birzhanov addressed recent concerns over repeated revisions to Kazakhstan’s state budget, Orda.kz reports.

His comments followed Senate Chair Maulen Ashimbayev’s remarks about the unusually high number of amendments — 13 in total — made in 2024 alone. Speaking with journalists at the Majilis, Birzhanov confirmed the figure and explained that the adjustments were largely unavoidable.

Budget adjustments are made to reduce expenses on certain activities. We redirected funds to priority areas. Last year, we faced emergency situations and had to make prompt decisions, he said, noting that “time dictates its own terms."

Regarding the initial economic assumptions behind the budget, Birzhanov said the government relies on data from international institutions and rating agencies. However, he emphasized that unpredictable changes in global oil prices and geopolitical developments often affect revenue forecasts.

You can see for yourself how much geopolitics and economics influence exports and energy prices. That's why the revenue side of the budget is changing, he explained.

When pressed about accountability, Birzhanov stated that all budget administrators had undergone internal reviews, and disciplinary measures were taken when warranted.

If there were real miscalculations, each administrator was punished… If someone didn’t spend the budget or delayed procurement, an inspection was carried out. But sometimes tenders failed or suppliers delivered defective goods — these are objective factors.

Asked directly whether such reviews had indeed taken place, Birzhanov confirmed:

Looking ahead, the Vice Minister did not rule out further budget changes in 2025, pointing to the unpredictable nature of national and international developments.

We’re not trying to make more adjustments — circumstances demand them. If there’s an emergency or we need to help another country, or we want to shift funds to clean water projects, that requires changes. Budget adjustments make such actions possible, he said.

No guarantees were offered that the situation would not repeat itself next year.

Original Author: Artyom Volkov