NEWS

Kazakhstan is entering a new phase of political reform. On June 30, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the final joint session of the country’s two parliamentary chambers, reviewing the legislature’s record in its previous configuration and outlining the priorities that will shape the work of the new parliament – the Kurultai.

The address came at a time of major institutional change. On July 1, 2026, Kazakhstan’s updated Constitution, approved in a nationwide referendum on March 15, entered into force. At the same time, a package of laws establishing the country’s new system of governance also took effect.

Among the most significant changes is the creation of the Kurultai, a unicameral parliament that will replace both the Mazhilis and the Senate. Another newly established institution is the People’s Council of Kazakhstan, an advisory body vested with the right of legislative initiative.

On July 1, President Tokayev signed a decree calling elections to the Kurultai, which are scheduled for August 23, 2026.

Digital transformation was one of the central themes of the speech. According to the president, the Kurultai should become a “leading driver of technological progress” in the country. In an era of rapid digitalization and the growing use of artificial intelligence, the new parliament will need to work at a faster pace to ensure that legislation keeps up with changing realities.

Among the initiatives under discussion are the introduction of a full-scale e-Parliament system, the use of predictive analytics and big data to assess economic implications and social risks, and broader expert participation in discussions on major draft laws through digital engagement tools.

Kazakhstan has already taken a number of steps to strengthen its technology sector. The country has adopted a Digital Code and a Law on Artificial Intelligence, approved the Digital Qazaqstan strategy, expanded the eGov Business platform and established a Regulatory Intelligence Centre. New initiatives include the launch of a “Data Centre Valley” project and programs aimed at developing AI talent and expertise. The creation of digital growth hubs, innovation clusters and high-productivity industries is intended to position Kazakhstan as a high-tech and business hub for Eurasia.

For the business community, the announcement of a new economic model was one of the key takeaways from the address. Economic diversification has been identified as a strategic priority, while the new Budget and Tax Codes are expected to provide the foundation for the country’s economic “reset”.

According to the president, Kazakhstan implemented 540 industrial projects worth a combined KZT 3.7 trillion between 2023 and 2025, with more than 200 additional projects expected to be launched over the next two years. The Law on the Special Legal Regime of Alatau City is expected to become another instrument for attracting investment and supporting innovation.

Tokayev also devoted considerable attention to energy and infrastructure. Kazakhstan has already launched a national program to modernize the energy and utilities sectors, with more than KZT 1 trillion allocated to the initiative. The country continues to expand renewable energy generation and build new thermal power plants, while construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant is expected to begin next year. The president also highlighted the strategic importance of the transport and logistics sector.

The government’s focus on human capital development remains unchanged. Today, more than half of the state budget is directed towards education, healthcare, science, culture and social support — areas regarded as essential to the country’s long-term development.

President Tokayev also stressed that the constitutional reform has given institutional form to the governing formula of a “Strong President – Influential Kurultai – Accountable Government”. The next stage of reform, he noted, will focus on translating this model into practical governance.

In this context, the future composition of the Kurultai takes on particular importance, as it will play a major role in shaping the country’s political balance.

For businesses, the priorities outlined by the president signal continuity in Kazakhstan’s policy direction, including digitalization, economic modernization, infrastructure development and efforts to attract foreign investment. In the short term, however, businesses may face lower regulatory predictability and changing channels of engagement with state institutions.

Under Kazakhstan’s updated Constitution, the first session of the Kurultai must be convened by the president no later than 30 days after the official publication of the election results.