President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for more attention to be paid to urban themes in literature and for an end to the division of young people into "urban" and "village" Kazakhs. He stated this at the first session of the Qazaqstan Halq Keñesi.
WHAT THE PRESIDENT SAID
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that urbanisation remains a global trend, and cities are becoming centres of attraction where opportunities for a quality life are concentrated.
The President also stated the need to develop and promote urban culture. According to him, it is important for Kazakhstan to take global trends in this area into account.
WHY TOKAYEV SPOKE OUT AGAINST DIVIDING YOUNG PEOPLE
The Head of State separately spoke out against dividing young Kazakhstanis into "asphalt" ones, "shala-Kazakhs" — those living in cities, and "true Kazakhs" — residents of villages.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called such an approach wrong and called for an end to the division of society.
"Today, young people living in cities receive a quality education in their native language in Kazakh schools. We need to stop splitting society once and for all. No one has the right to do this," the President noted.
WHAT INSTRUCTIONS THE AUTHORITIES RECEIVED
The President said that he had previously instructed the Ministry of Culture and Information to organise literary competitions among writers for the preparation of works on urban themes.
According to Tokayev, such literature is needed above all by young people.
CONTEXT
At the first session of the Qazaqstan Halq Keñesi, the President also announced his intention to terminate the powers of maslikhats at all levels early. After consultations with the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Kurultai, the Head of State intends to sign a corresponding decree, after which the Central Election Commission (CEC) will determine the date of new elections.