European MPs and experts from Brussels welcomed the constitutional reform in Kazakhstan, EU Reporter states in its article Kazakhstan – A real step towards democracy
Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev has implemented planned changes to the country’s constitution. Under the recently unveiled proposals, the president has agreed to share some of his powers with parliament and the cabinet. Presidents will no longer be able to issue decrees that have the power of law. And parliament gets a greater say in appointing and sacking cabinet members, while the executive branch becomes more independent. The president will no longer be able to override parliamentary votes of no-confidence in cabinet members. The changes come at a key moment in the history of the oil rich country which, on January 1, began its tenure on the UN Security Council and will, later this year, host EXPO 2017, a prestigious global event.
Reacting to the constitutional amendments, Fraser Cameron, of the respected think tank, the EU/Asia Centre, said he hopes that the changes will represent a “real step towards democracy.” Cameron, who is based in Brussels, told this website,” It will now be important to ensure that the proposed changes are fully implemented as this will send a powerful signal to Kazakhs and foreign investors.”
Belgian Greens MEP Helga Stevens also responded, telling EU Reporter: “These proposed changes could be seen as the next step on the path of democratic development for Kazakhstan. I also welcome and support the proposal for redistribution of powers between the government branches. The next logical step will be to allow opposition parties to compete for power otherwise strengthening the Kazakh Parliament will not advance democracy in the country since only pro-presidential parties will get seats after the elections.”
Further reaction came from Belgian Socialist MEP Marc Tarabella who said he welcomed the fact that “the president seems to want to open the door to democratic change in the country’s institutions.” He added, “We now await concrete action.”
The chairwoman of the European Parliament’s delegation to Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries has also welcomed the changes as “timely and wise steps.” Latvian deputy Iveta Grigule said Nazarbayev’s announcements should be “positively valued” and represent “the next step on the path of democratic development.” She told EU Reporter that Europeans should support the attempts of the country of Kazakhstan “as much as possible.” The changes are, she believes, “the next step on the path of democratic development” of Kazakhstan which recently marked its 25th anniversary of independence from the former Soviet Union. Grigule added, “We welcome and support the proposal for redistribution of powers between the government branches. We – the European Union, on our part, see Kazakhstan as a reliable partner. We have very good relations. The EU and Kazakhstan signed a new generation document – Agreement on expanded partnership and cooperation. From Brussels Kazakhstan is viewed as a modern country with an attractive business environment.”
The MEP, a member of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), praised the “positive role” of Nazarbayev in the international arena and the country’s importance for the EU. Further comment came from Slovakian EPP deputy Eduard Kukan who noted that the role and influence of parliament and government will be “significantly expanded” by the transfer of functions. The proposed constitutional reforms would allow parliament to form a cabinet which would in turn have more powers to manage the economy. Under the current constitution, Nazarbayev appoints all cabinet members. Kukan, who is also a member of the assembly’s 18 strong Kazakhstan delegation, said a functioning Parliament is the “cornerstone” to any modern democracy, as is legislature’s control over the executive branch. He said, “The proposed package of reforms heads in this direction. This will be a long-term process, but I am glad to hear that the initial steps have been taken.” He also praised the president’s attempt to elevate the country’s role, and new engagement in international diplomacy as a mediator, most notably between Russia and Turkey. The European Institute for Asian Studies, based in Brussels, said the changes were part of the country’s modernisation plans. A spokesman added, “They also reflect the aspirations of the new generation of Kazakh citizens.” He added they certainly represent the widening aspirations of the new generation.”
The amendments, heralded as a “massive redistribution of powers,” which have been proposed by Nazarbayev and approved by parliament will give lawmakers more power. The cabinet will now report its main initiatives not just to the president but also to parliament. Under the changes he will no longer be able to suspend decisions taken by the prime minister and cabinet, so they will be fully responsible for implementing state programmes and policies. Following the reforms, the president will focus on strategic matters, foreign policy and national security and will serve as an arbiter between the branches of power. Speaking recently, President Nazarbayev said, “Upon my instructions, the cabinet prepared the bill that will delegate 35 responsibilities of the president to lower levels of government.”
