Kazakh president announces referendum date on new nuclear power plant, outlines future vision

This article is part of our special report EU-Kazakhstan relations: A strategic and economic evolution towards a regional and global role.

A nationwide referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant and nine key tasks to enhance Kazakhstan’s future were laid out in President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state-of-the-nation address.

The Kazakh head of state delivered an extensive speech on 2 September, billed as: “Just Kazakhstan: Law and Order, Economic Growth, Public Optimism”. Its core messages were a clear focus on sustainable socio-economic progress.

Announcement of referendum date

One of Tokayev’s big announcements was a nationwide referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant, to be held on 6 October. The president argued this would be an example of the implementation of a “listening state” concept.

Considerations on constructing a nuclear power plant are not new in Kazakhstan and Tokayev has repeatedly expressed his certainty that the development of nuclear energy “can largely meet the rapidly growing needs of our economy”.

A Demoscope/Konrad Adenauer Foundation survey conducted in autumn 2023, depicts a divided opinion about the construction of this plant, with 46.6% of the respondents in favour and 37.7% against it.

Another survey by the government-affiliated Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) shows that 53.1% of the respondents are in favour of constructing the nuclear power plant, while 32.5% are against such a decision.

New tasks and priorities

102 laws have passed during the latest parliamentary session, Tokayev said, highlighting areas such as combating human trafficking and child protection. New laws have been introduced with tougher punishments for violence against women and children, all welcomed by the European Union and the United States.

Tokayev outlined his vision for the future of Kazakhstan by setting out nine key tasks for the country to accomplish in the upcoming years.

As the state is undergoing major political reforms and social transformation, the president reiterated the goals of building a “just Kazakhstan”, committed to a peaceful evolutionary path and economic diversification.

The president instructed the government to take effective measures in addressing imbalances between monetary and fiscal policies, which would focus on restructuring the economy and establishing a new Tax Code.

Tokayev called for the enhancement of investments in climate and improving business conditions, recommending the government to increase medium-sized businesses to 15% by 2029, and the state to provide 70% of agricultural financing.

Kazakhstan, according to the president, must unlock its industrial potential, focusing on 17 major projects that prioritise advanced processing and the use of domestic raw materials and components. Tokayev also highlighted ensuring gas supply for both the people and the economy as a key government task.

Furthermore, Kazakhstan must address urgent infrastructure issues, particularly in the energy sector and utilities. Tokayev encouraged strengthening the country’s digitalisation efforts, also integrating artificial intelligence into the e-government platform.

The Kazakh state leader announced the designation of 2025 as the “Year of Vocational Professions”, highlighting the need to strengthen the country’s workforce, also by attracting prominent foreign universities.

On the public health and social support system, Tokayev called for improvements, tasking the government with implementing a “social wallet” mechanism to ensure aid goes to those who really need it.

The president urged improvement of the environmental situation, saying that the increase of forest areas should become a national movement, as reforestation remains crucial in maintaining ecological balance.

Enhancing the effectiveness of the public administration was the eighth task set by Tokayev, who assured that political reforms in the country will continue to support the development of the state.

Lastly, the president reiterated that making Kazakhstan a comfortable and safe place to live is one of his main goals.

Tokayev called for the continuation of reforms and measures to protect human rights, combat drug abuse, develop a new Law on Crime Prevention and ensure discipline in the military.

Multilateral cooperation with the West

In foreign policy, Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to a peaceful and balanced approach as well as multilateral cooperation, in full alignment with the UN Charter.

Combating terrorism, extremism, illegal migration, climate change, and other global threats, as well as supporting UN peacekeeping activities and disarmament initiatives, are all efforts supported by Kazakhstan.

“You can see the fundamental shifts happening in the world today. We have a clear vision for the long-term development of our state. To achieve these high goals, we must maintain cohesion, show mutual support, and demonstrate respect,” Tokayev remarked.

[Edited By Brian Maguire | Euractiv's Advocacy Lab ]