Tokayev Dismisses Critics of New Constitution, Defends Status of Kazakh and Russian Languages

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has responded to critics of Kazakhstan's draft new Constitution, specifically addressing concerns about the status of the Russian language. He made his remarks during a speech at a republican forum for deputies of maslikhats (local representative bodies) at all levels in Astana.

Tokayev reminded the audience that for the first time, the development of science, education, culture, and innovation is being defined as a constitutional principle of state activity. He emphasized the critical importance of provisions affirming the secular nature of the state, particularly its education system.

"Our country has great potential to become a center attracting talent and investment from around the world," Tokayev noted. "This is an important part of improving the quality of human capital. Therefore, it is proposed for the first time to enshrine at the constitutional level the protection of intellectual property, which will give new impetus to developing a creative economy."

The President added that a particularly powerful norm directly prohibits giving laws retroactive force if it worsens a person's situation or imposes new obligations on them. This will create a stable, predictable legal and investment environment where citizens are protected and can confidently plan their lives and business activities.

He also addressed proposals to establish special legal regimes for certain territories and "cities of accelerated development." Regarding this norm, Tokayev dismissed reports about dangers to territorial integrity as unfounded.

"Such serious accusations come from legally illiterate people who have not even bothered to study world experience," he stated. "By the way, this also applies to lamentations about an alleged reduction in the status of the Russian language in the draft New Constitution. It is amusing to read such articles with numerous stylistic and grammatical errors; their authors champion the Russian language but do not know it properly themselves."

Tokayev underscored that publishing both Kazakh- and Russian-language versions with equal legal force speaks for itself and requires no further commentary or justification.

"Equally, there is no need to create hysteria over an allegedly diminished status for the Kazakh language," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev concluded.

The President also highlighted positive trends in language use among younger generations.

"The Kazakh language has become fashionable among young people," he said.