An ambiguous situation is developing in the Zhambyl region surrounding the preparation for a meeting between the regional governor Yerbol Karashukeyev and residents of the city of Zhanatas in the Sarysu district. Local activists claim that the event, advertised as an open dialogue with the public, is in fact being prepared as a 'staged turnout' of employees from budget-funded organisations.
According to the Telegram channel «HALYQSTAN», public figures report that there has been no widespread notification of residents about the time and location of the event.
Activists have obtained a letter from the district governor's office, as well as a list of organisations instructed to ensure their employees attend the meeting.
According to the documents, the departments of education and healthcare must each send 100 people. It is noted that the meeting is planned for the middle of the working day.
"So, they won't be working during that time?" — residents of Zhanatas are outraged.
According to activists, this format benefits the district leadership: instead of an open dialogue with citizens — a controlled audience; instead of discussing pressing issues — a convenient picture for the report to the head of the region.
After the information gained public attention, the parameters of the event changed. It is claimed that overnight, a message appeared on the official page of the governor's office stating that the meeting with the regional governor has been moved from 3:00 PM to 10:00 AM. No official reason was given for the change.
"A logical question arises: did Yerbol Karashukeyev, who was publicly praised by the President during a recent visit, really agree to a format of 'no extra questions'?" — the message states.