Tokayev Outlines Kazakhstan's Priorities in New Historical Period in Annual Address

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered his traditional annual address to the people of Kazakhstan, titled "Current Tasks of Kazakhstan in the New Historical Period." He said this year marks the 35th anniversary of independence and that the Constitution, adopted in March, took effect on July 1, giving a major push to a fundamental renewal of the political system and the creation of new state institutions.

Tokayev said society must remain united and harmonious, and that infrastructure and social development should be priorities. He called for large-scale construction across all regions, with about 6.5 trillion tenge from the National Fund allocated for infrastructure renewal through the end of 2029, and 1.5 trillion tenge for social projects this year and the first two months of 2027. He also said every major city should have a medium- and long-term development plan approved by the government.

Citing a forecast by the International Monetary Fund, Tokayev said Kazakhstan's gross domestic product this year will be about $400 billion, with per capita output exceeding $19,000. He described an unstable global environment marked by unfounded accusations, a crisis of mutual trust among major powers, uncontrolled migration and a serious decline in the authority of the United Nations.