The final plenary session of the Senate of the Parliament took place in Astana. The Chairman of the chamber, Maulen Ashimbayev, summarised the work of the upper house, which is concluding its activities in connection with the new Constitution coming into force on 1 July.
WHAT HAPPENED
During the plenary session, senators approved several laws, after which Maulen Ashimbayev noted that the bicameral parliament, based on the 1995 Constitution, was completing its 30-year historical mission. He thanked the senators and the chamber's staff, and expressed gratitude to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
"And now, at such a historic moment, first of all, on my own behalf and on behalf of all senators, I express my immense gratitude to the Head of State for the high trust placed in us, for the great opportunities to jointly implement reforms, and for the constant support," Ashimbayev said.
WHAT RESULTS WERE SUMMARISED
According to Maulen Ashimbayev, over 30 years of work, the Senate held more than 890 plenary sessions and adopted over 3,500 laws. In addition, during its years of operation, more than 60 parliamentary hearings and over 3,000 planned events were organised.
The Chairman noted that during the existence of the bicameral parliament, decisions and laws were adopted within its walls that, in his words, determined the development of the state.
WHAT MAULEN ASHIMBAYEV SAID ABOUT HIS PLANS
After the session, journalists asked Maulen Ashimbayev about his future plans. He replied that he would continue to work in the country, noting that everyone would focus on their own area.
The Chairman also expressed the opinion that it would be beneficial for the new representative body to involve a greater number of new faces, including young politicians, women, and representatives from the regions.
CONTEXT
From 1 July, the new Constitution comes into force, under which the powers of the current parliament are terminated. Instead of the bicameral system, consisting of the Senate and the Mazhilis, a unicameral Kurultai will begin its work.
Elections to the new representative body are scheduled for August.
