On 2 September, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered his annual Address to the people of Kazakhstan at a joint session of the Parliament. The editorial team of FBRK has highlighted the main points, in our view, that the head of state discussed.
According to the press service of Akorda, Tokayev announced that a nationwide referendum on the construction of a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) will take place on 6 October this year.
Tokayev also spoke about criminal fraud in agriculture. He instructed that all those involved should be held accountable.
"A special commission has already identified 2 million non-existent head of cattle and more than 3 million head of small livestock. Similar facts have been identified in crop farming. These are, in effect, fraudulent overstatements for which state subsidies were allocated," the statement says.
The President also stated the need to 'deal with' entrepreneurs engaged in cryptocurrency mining, who consume large amounts of electricity to the detriment of the economy but do not pay taxes in the required amount.
Furthermore, the head of state called the practice of receiving state-guaranteed medical services on a paid basis unacceptable. He stated that it is necessary to form a single package of basic state medical care, balanced in terms of budget capabilities and commitments.
Among other things, Tokayev instructed the government and local governors (akims) to identify funding sources, including sponsorship funds, and to carry out the renovation of approximately 1,300 schools across Kazakhstan within three years.
At the same time, the President gave the instruction to repair about 10,000 km of roads nationwide using innovative methods and advanced solutions. He also ordered the launch of a single digital platform that will reflect all information on road construction and repair.
During the speech, the President instructed the government and local governors (akims) to find ways to increase citizens' incomes. In his words, with proper organisation of work, this is entirely achievable. He also stated that work on improving rural settlements and ensuring permanent employment for villagers should be taken into account.
Additionally, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered the creation of a National Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Astana, which will be open to schoolchildren, students, researchers and entrepreneurs.