Kazakh President Tokayev Defends Constitution as Foundation of Statehood

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan has stated that the country's current Constitution should not be subject to criticism, emphasizing its crucial role in building the nation's statehood. He made these remarks while addressing a forum of deputies from local representative bodies at all levels.

"The 1995 Constitution primarily focused on strengthening the foundations of state power, which was justified at the time as our newly independent state needed legislative support," Tokayev explained. "The currently effective Constitution must under no circumstances be criticized; this fundamental legal document has played a positive role in state-building."

The President highlighted that Kazakhstan is building a "Just Kazakhstan" and must remember the special historical mission of the First President, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

He pointed out a significant shift in the constitutional framework. "In today's society, the principle of 'not man for the state, but state for man' has gained particular relevance and therefore runs like a red thread through the entire text of the new Constitution," Tokayev said. He noted it is no coincidence that the section dedicated to protecting human rights and freedoms is now the most extensive, containing 30 articles—nearly one-third of the Basic Law. In comparison, he mentioned, the section on the president consists of only 10 articles.

According to Tokayev, many norms concerning citizens' rights are unique in essence because they contain new meanings. "Now, at the level of the Basic Law, our common readiness to protect historical, cultural, family, and moral values is expressed," he declared. "This is an inalienable right of our people, and this right cannot and should not be questioned or criticized by anyone—be they politicians, public figures, foreign or domestic non-governmental organizations."

The President added that an absolute majority of Kazakhstani citizens supports state policy aimed at strengthening families. He argued that healthy families lay the foundation for a new quality of nationhood and responsible citizenship.

"The most important state task is to pursue a policy protecting our citizens' fundamental interests," Tokayev concluded. "Ultimately, this is a matter of our sovereignty and prosperous national future."