Kazakhstan's Tokayev demands sweeping reforms to fix flawed local budgets
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for major reforms in how local budgets are managed across Kazakhstan. Speaking at the Third Republican Forum of Deputies of Maslikhats in Astana, he criticised the current system for poor oversight and rushed decision-making. His remarks highlighted long-standing issues in transparency and efficiency at the regional level.
Tokayev pointed out that budget drafts often reach maslikhats too late, leaving deputies with little time for proper review. This has led to hasty approvals and inefficient use of public funds. He also noted that responsibility for budget oversight remains unclear, contributing to widespread public frustration.
The president stressed that local authorities—both maslikhats and akimats—must collaborate more closely. Their joint efforts should ensure every tenge is spent wisely, with a focus on job creation, private investment, and tax revenue growth. He urged lawmakers to take a more active role from the earliest stages of budget planning, prioritising both national and regional needs. Since 2021, Kazakhstan has introduced gradual transparency reforms, such as better public access to budget documents and citizen forums. However, independent assessments show that progress remains limited. Many maslikhats still lack strong oversight powers and the ability to propose meaningful budget amendments. Tokayev made it clear that budget discussions must separate effective spending from wasteful projects. Without stronger accountability, he warned, public trust in local governance would continue to decline.
The president's speech signals a push for stricter controls and clearer responsibilities in regional budgeting. If implemented, the reforms could give maslikhats more influence over financial planning and spending. The success of these changes will depend on closer cooperation between local authorities and sustained efforts to improve transparency.
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