During the speech at a meeting of the National Kurultai, Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that the position of vice president will be created in Kazakhstan.
"It's not for nothing that people say: 'Everything has its time.' I believe that time has come. And today, at the final meeting of the National Kurultai, I would like to make a new, important proposal. The amendment I propose will seamlessly complete the entire political structure we have methodically built over several years. This involves establishing the office of Vice President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and enshrining it in the Constitution," Tokayev stated.
He explained that the Vice President will be appointed by the President with the consent of Parliament by a simple majority of votes.
The scope of his powers is determined by the Head of State himself.
It is expected that the Vice President, on behalf of the President, will:
– represent the interests of the Republic of Kazakhstan at international forums and negotiations with delegations of foreign states;
– represent the interests of the President in Parliament;
– interact with domestic and foreign socio-political, scientific and cultural-educational organizations;
- carry out other instructions of the President.
“These fundamental provisions concerning the official functions of the Vice President should also be reflected in the text of the Constitution,” Tokayev added.
According to him, some of the apparatus structures that support the activities of the current Parliament, as well as the position of State Counselor, are subject to abolition.
The functionality, structure and management system of the Presidential Administration will be reformed in accordance with practical needs.
You're certainly aware that the position of Vice President exists in a number of countries. In our case, the establishment of this position will stabilize the process of governing the state and will also bring final clarity to the power hierarchy. I must emphasize: this constitutional amendment does not signify a weakening of the institution of presidential power itself. On the contrary, the post of President remains the most important in the state system. I am confident that Kazakhstan will successfully develop as a presidential republic.
This proven political system cannot be abandoned. Moreover, international experience convincingly supports this choice. I am confident that the government reforms I have proposed, in particular the transition to a unicameral parliament (Kuryltai), the creation of the Khalyk Kenesi (People's Council), and the establishment of the position of Vice President, will give a powerful impetus to our country's development and enhance its potential," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
By the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
