Kazakh Deputy PM Balayeva Tours Regions to Discuss Constitutional Reform Ahead of March Referendum

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva has led a series of public meetings in the Zhetysu and Almaty regions to discuss the draft of Kazakhstan's new Constitution. The discussions, part of a nationwide coalition campaign, focused on the upcoming national referendum scheduled for March 15.

In Taldykorgan, at the Atameken Chamber of Entrepreneurs, Balayeva met with regional activists. She emphasized that the document's core values are established in its preamble, including unity, civic solidarity, responsibility to future generations, constructive patriotism, respect for labor and knowledge, preservation of cultural heritage, and care for ecology. She described this not as a formal introduction but as a guiding principle for the state's just development.

Balayeva stated that the decision to hold a referendum is a significant democratic step to cement pivotal changes through direct public will. Mazhilis deputy Bolat Kerimbek highlighted the responsibility of the referendum choice as a guarantee of justice in daily life. Rector Bolat Tlep of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University noted the historical significance of the proposed norms.

Meetings with workers at battery plant factories in Zhetysu region and railway construction enterprises in Almaty region addressed how constitutional amendments would affect labor relations. Balayeva pointed to specific draft norms aimed at reducing workplace injuries and occupational diseases. She stated that employer responsibility for creating proper working conditions is being elevated to the level of the nation's supreme law.

In Konayev, discussions with Almaty region residents centered on the value orientations of the new draft. Mazhilis deputies detailed the document's preparation through public discussion formats. Special attention was given to human capital, youth policy, and long-term priorities in education, science, and innovation.

The human capital theme continued during meetings with students at SDU University and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU). Discussions focused on youth as the country's primary intellectual resource. "In the draft new Constitution, human capital is clearly defined as the main priority for the country's development," Balayeva emphasized. Participants linked the draft provisions to a knowledge-based economy, freedom of creativity, and protection of intellectual labor.

The final meeting took place at Almaty's House of Friendship with representatives from culture and film industries. Talks covered historical memory, cultural heritage, and freedom of artistic creativity as foundations for developing a creative environment. "Enshrining support for national culture at the constitutional level is a great honor and high responsibility for us," said Balayeva. She added: "These innovations are aimed at strengthening national identity." Cultural representatives noted the importance of constitutional guarantees for protecting copyright.