‘Major overhaul’ of state: Kazakhstan begins operating under new constitution

‘Major overhaul’ of state: Kazakhstan begins operating under new constitution One of the key innovations was the restructuring of the legislative branch© Andrey Gryaznov/TASSASTANA, July 1. /TASS/. A new constitution entered into force in Kazakhstan on July 1, introducing a number of changes to the state governance system, including a transition to a unicameral parliament and the re-establishment of the vice-presidency. Moreover, it establishes the primacy of national law over international law and introduces several ideological and social provisions. Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev who initiated amendments to the previous constitution and subsequently supported the drafting of a new one, described the changes in the country as a "large-scale reboot" of all state and public institutions. He had also previously announced an impending "overhaul" of the state structure, assuring that the ongoing process is "not just another administrative reform." Political analyst Gaziz Abishev noted in an interview with TASS that, despite significant changes, the president retains a pivotal role. "A substantial portion of state powers is concentrated in the hands of the president, and a strong president exerts influence over the parliament and the accountable government. In this regard, our constitution is more candid. It honestly reflects the nature of our country as a presidential republic. Of course, one cannot build the entire state political architecture with a single decree," he said. Abishev added that the renewal of the corps of deputies in the new parliament, as well as of other political elites, is also a key issue. He noted that some high-ranking officials are already new figures who assumed their posts during Tokayev’s presidency, though he did not rule out "targeted adjustments" in the future. One of the key innovations was the restructuring of the legislative branch. The bicameral parliament, comprising the Majilis (lower house) and the Senate (upper house), was abolished effective July 1. It was replaced by a new body named the Kurultai. It has 145 parliamentary seats, just three fewer than the previous system, which had a combined total of 148 deputies across its two chambers. Deputies serve a five-year term, and the body's establishment can be viewed as a revival: prior to 1995, the country had a Supreme Council, which was essentially a unicameral parliament. The electoral system for Kurultai deputies will once again be exclusively proportional (based on party lists). Previously, regarding the 98 deputies of the Majilis, 69 seats were filled via party lists, while the remaining 29 were filled through single-mandate constituencies; the term of office was five years. Of the 50 Senate deputies, 40 represented all regions of Kazakhstan (two from each) and were elected by local representative bodies, maslikhats, while the remaining 10 were appointed directly by the President without a vote. Senate deputies served six-year terms, with half of them up for election every three years. The President previously announced that elections for the Kurultai would be held in August, though the exact date has not yet been disclosed. In Kazakhstan, such elections typically take place on Sundays. Although this vote will mark the first time the Kurultai is constituted through elections, it may once again be classified as a snap election within the context of Kazakhstan's parliamentary polls, given that the terms of the Majilis deputies elected in 2023 were not due to expire until 2028. Throughout the history of the independent republic, Kazakhstani deputies have managed to serve out their full terms only three times, with scheduled elections held in 1999, 2004, and 2021. A second significant innovation in the country’s governance system is the re-establishment of the post of Vice President, a position that previously existed in Kazakhstan from 1991 to 1996 before being abolished. The Vice President will now represent the Head of State in dealings with the Kurultai and government bodies, and will also exercise other powers determined by the President. Under the new constitution, the Vice President must be non-partisan and is prohibited from engaging in business activities or serving as a member of parliament while in office. The post will become the second-highest in the hierarchy of power, and the vice president will be able to assume the powers of the head of state in the event of an early resignation (previously, this role fell to the Senate Speaker). In such a case, presidential elections must be held within two months of the termination of the incumbent’s powers; previously, no specific timeframe was stipulated. China to accelerate development of world-class armed forces — Xi JinpingThe Chinese leader emphasized that "a strong country must have a strong military" and that national security is impossible without powerful armed forcesRead moreRussian forces strike Ukrainian army positions by FAB bombs in Zaporozhye, Sumy areasThe ministry uploaded video footage of Su-34 bombers destroying the designated targetsRead moreIranian oil prices rise 20% after suspension of US sanctions — parliament speakerMohammad Bagher Ghalibaf noted that oil revenues are being transferred to the relevant accountsRead moreRussian troops in Krasny Liman come across Colombian mercenaries fighting for UkraineThe commander of a motorized rifle battalion reported that Ukrainian forces in Krasny Liman are not attempting any counterattacks but are putting up sporadic resistance while hiding in basementsRead moreKiev loses 10,000 troops, mercenaries over week — military expertAccording to Andrey Marochko, the trend towards the growth of losses among the Ukrainian military personnel has been observed for the sixth consecutive weekRead moreLiberation of Rovnoye makes it possible to establish bridgehead for offensive on DolinkaBy advancing near Rovnoye, the Russian army will be able to straighten the front line in the Lyubitskoye-Komsomolskoye sector, military expert Andrey Marochko addedRead moreGerman opposition politician listed on Ukraine’s database of unwanted personsChristian Engel is accused of expressing public support for Russia, discrediting Ukraine, and undermining international support for KievRead moreLavrov, top Bahraini diplomat discuss situation in Persian GulfRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Bahraini counterpart Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani also agreed to maintain close cooperation on Middle East issues within the UN Security CouncilRead moreRepublican convention ahead of US congressional election to be held in Dallas in SeptemberThe US leader indicated that the convention will aim to draw attention to measures taken by his administration, including those in the socio-economic sphereRead moreRepatriation of Russians from Ukraine takes two weeks to six months — RRCThe International Committee of the Red Cross is helping to process travel documents, while the Russian human rights commissioner, in cooperation with her Ukrainian counterpart, is helping to negotiate specific dates for the returnRead moreUS Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s executive order limiting birthright citizenshipFive of the six judges pointed out that the right was enshrined in the US ConstitutionRead moreRussia destroys two Ukrainian MiG-29 aircraft at Voznesensk airfield in Nikolayev regionRussian Armed Forces used Geran-4 Seeker UAVsRead moreUS expects report from NATO allies on increase in military spending on July 7-8The NATO countries agreed last year with Washington’s suggestion to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035Read moreEU cannot be allowed at negotiating table on Ukraine — senior Russian senatorAt the same time, Konstantin Kosachev noted that dialogue with individual EU leaders is possible, but it should not take the form of a "formal negotiation process"Read moreIsraeli army eliminates Islamic Jihad commander involved in hostage-taking"Prior to the strike, steps were taken to mitigate harm to civilians," the IDF addedRead morePress review: Ceasefire strain amid US-Iran tensions and Finnish nuclear plans near RussiaTop stories from the Russian press on Monday, June 29thRead moreUkraine’s population decreasing by 300,000 people per year excluding troops — expertVasily Voskoboynik added that millions of Ukrainians are currently abroad and are unlikely to return because they have already settled thereRead moreRussia destroys up to platoon of Ukrainian troops in NovoskelevatoyeAssault units of the 36th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 29th army of Battlegroup East have liberated NovoskelevatoyeRead moreFrench national team has advanced to Round of 16 of World CupIn the Round of 16, the French team will face Paraguay, which defeated Germany in the first knockout roundRead moreRussia to send aircraft to Turkey to fight forest firesIn response to a request from the Turkish authorities, two Be-200 aircraft will soon be deployed to support efforts in extinguishing seasonal wildfiresRead moreRussian Federation Council considers Zelensky’s threats against Belarus seriousAccording to Konstantin Kosachev, Zelensky's words should be taken seriously because he is "an irrational and unpredictable man", obsessed with a thirst for powerRead moreEuroclear files lawsuit against Bank of Russia to block 18.2 trln ruble recovery — EchoOn May 26, the Moscow Arbitration Court granted the central bank's motion to enforce the ruling in its lawsuit against EuroclearRead moreUkraine’s Hornet attack UAVs shot down over Novorossiya highway — Russian Defense MinistryAccording to the ministry, air defense personnel employed small arms fire and aerial ramming tactics to down the dronesRead moreXi Jinping calls reunification with Taiwan Chinese Communist Party’s ‘historic mission’The Chinese leader noted that Beijing intended to adhere to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, resolutely combat "separatist forces advocating Taiwan independence" and resist external interferenceRead moreWhite House puts cost of Iran war at about $30 billionWhite House Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought said he learned about it from the Department of WarRead moreRussian troops liberate two settlements in Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhye regionsUnits of Battlegroup East moved deeper into enemy defenses, liberating the settlement of Pisantsy and the settlement of NovosyolovkaRead moreIN BRIEF: Putin’s key statements on proposal to limit combat zone, special op progressThe Russian president said that Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s infrastructure do not affect the situation at the front or the position along the line of engagementRead moreIran exports over 40 mln barrels of oil after US blockade lifted — parliament speakerMohammad Bagher Ghalibaf recalled that passage through the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz was opened to the Islamic republic’s commercial vessels and oil tankersRead moreOmbudswoman’s office documents every account of torture in Ukrainian captivityYana Lantratova stressed that every report of torture, abuse, threats, unlawful detention, and other violations is taken up for actionRead moreIran has not yet gained access to $6 bln of its assets in Qatar — NYPAccording to the newspaper, Iran wanted its assets transferred as a lump-sum payment, but Washington advocates splitting the amountRead moreRussia urges Kabul and Islamabad to end armed conflict — Foreign MinistryThe ministry referred to a new tragic episode, Pakistan’s airstrikes on the eastern Afghan provinces of Paktya, Paktika and Konar on the night of June 29Read moreNATO cannot agree on terms of assistance to Kiev over Italy's position — paperInitially the text was supposed to mention the continuation of assistance in 2027 "at least at a comparable level," but Italy opposed the prolongationRead moreMore than 500,000 Venezuelans in need of emergency food assistance — UNThe WFP is urgently appealing for an initial $50 million to provide emergency food assistance Read moreRussian artillery destroys two Ukrainian army deployment sites near KonstantinovkaAccording to the Russian Defense Ministry, artillery crews of the 6th Motor Rifle Division are conducting combat operations in the Konstantinovka direction round-the-clockRead moreTerrorist attack in Monaco was likely caused by criminal strife in Kiev — expertIt seems highly probable that this attack was a result of settling scores between tightly knit criminal groups vying for influence over illicit resource, Alexander Protsenko saidRead moreRussian troops liberate three communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brassRussia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 175 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reportedRead moreKiev to transform Ukraine into global criminal hub, working with cartels — Russian senatorEarlier, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service had reported that the Kiev regime is increasing cooperation with major Mexican drug cartels and shows tolerance towards the rising drug transit from Latin America to EuropeRead moreRussian troops liberate settlement of Novoskelevatoye in Dnepropetrovsk region — top brassTroops from Battlegroup West in Krasny Liman seized five strongpoints and captured 57 buildings over the past 24 hours, according to the reportedRead moreRussia calls for international attention to Kiev’s crimes — KremlinDmitry Peskov stressed that such crimes are conducted against civilian populationRead moreSix-month-old baby killed outside Moscow as Russia downs 419 Ukrainian dronesIn particular, UAVs were intercepted over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Kursk, Krasnodar, Lipetsk, Moscow, Oryol, Rostov, Ryazan, Saratov, Smolensk, Tambov, Tver, Tula, Vladimir, Volgograd, and Voronezh Regions as well as the Republic of CrimeaRead moreTehran, Washington maintain contact via political, not military channels — Iranian MFAAs Esmaeil Baghaei specified, the Foreign Ministry is engaged from the Iranian sideRead morePutin convenes meeting of government officials, Russian oil majors on fuel situationThe Russian president authorized efforts to minimize the impact of Ukrainian terrorist attacks on Russian civilian facilitiesRead moreZelensky’s 'pantheon of heroes' move will cost Ukraine — former Polish PMMateusz Morawiecki clarified that "the cult of the UPA" did not strengthen Ukraine, but rather, it weakened its authority, complicated relations with allies, and distanced Ukraine from Western integrationRead moreUkrainian army attacks DPR 15 times over past 24 hours wounding six peopleReports indicate that six civilians were woundedRead moreRussian specialists create micro helicopter to overcome minefields and water obstaclesThe new technologies made it possible to combine the maneuverability of an ATV and a helicopterRead moreRussian-Finland agreement on double taxation avoidance suspended as of July 1Russia’s Finance Ministry previously announced that the Finnish government was fully suspending the agreementRead moreRuID experiment for foreigners will run until end of 2027 — MPThe experiment was originally scheduled to run until June 30, 2026Read moreFrontline developments reinforce confidence that Russia’s goals to be achieved — KremlinRussia's position on the settlement is well known and remains consistent, Dmitry Peskov said Read moreRussia reports downing 72 Ukrainian drones over its regions, Sea of Azov during 12 hoursAlert air defense capabilities intercepted and destroyed drones over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Krasnodar, Kursk, Moscow, Oryol, Smolensk, and Tver Regions as well as the Republic of CrimeaRead moreUS to spend $4 bln to upgrade military bases in UK — mediaAccording to the publication, the largest expenditure, estimated at $1.6 billion, is the modernization of RAF Lakenheath in SuffolkRead moreExport shipments between Russia, Kazakhstan up 20% in 5M 2026 — Russian RailwaysThe Russian railway operator said this includes more than 160,000 TEURead moreIndia extends customs duty exemption on petrochemical imports until July 15The customs duty waiver for approximately 40 types of critical petrochemical products was introduced on April 2 as a temporary, targeted support measureRead moreControl over Malinovka enables Russian Armed Forces to advance on Kramatorsk — expertFollowing the liberation of Malinovka, significant, broad operational vistas are opening up, Andrey Marochko notedRead moreGeneral silence on Starobelsk looks like conscious choice of international organizationsDeputy Chairman of the People's Council of the LPR Maxim Uvarov is convinced that international organizations created to protect the population are obliged to give an honest and principled assessment of such crimesRead moreUkraine may be involved in assassination attempt on Yermolayev — newspaperThe publication names two main versions of the assassination attemptRead moreTop Cuban diplomat points to lack of progress in talks with USBruno Rodriguez Parrilla also mentioned the ongoing spread of "toxic and false information", including through the media, aimed at distorting the situation in the Latin American countryRead moreKiev engulfed in acrid cloud from Chernobyl, fresh air is gone — journalistLevels of harmful particles are exceeding safe limitsRead moreRussia to open diplomatic missions in Gambia, Liberia, Togo, Union of Comoros — LavrovThe Russian foreign minister added that a new department for partnership with Africa was establishedRead moreCzech government party wants to strip Zelensky of country's highest orderLower house of parliament deputy Jindrich Rejchl, who put forward the initiative, said he was inspired by Poland’s example.Read morePolish president plans to limit contact with Zelensky over Bandera row — newspaperKarol Nawrocki may make an announcement on this track on July 11Read moreExplosion in Monaco may be result of criminal feuds over scam call centersThe country’s Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, stated that Monaco had never seen an attack like thisRead moreFrance supports terrorists to further its interests — Russian Security CouncilAlexander Venediktov also noted that "Ukraine is actively involved in this, including on the African continent" Read moreMilitants from Sudan attack city in CAR, Russian specialists carry out airstrikeThe source noted that the militants, using civilians as shields, have dispersed into nearby residential areasRead moreRussia receives no reaction from UN regarding Ukrainian army’s strike on Starobelsk — MFARussian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov emphasized that all letters from the Secretary-General have been very disappointing as they contained no substantive answersRead moreProtection against UAV attacks, AI use: statements by Russia’s defense chiefAndrey Belousov said that Russia is actively introducing artificial intelligence systems in its air defenses and the results will be seen by NovemberRead moreMacroeconomic indicators should not turn into 'fetish' — Russian Economy MinisterMaxim Reshetnikov noted that investment is largely a matter of trust and sentimentRead moreCongress fails to pass resolution against US forces fighting in LebanonThe document was supported by 189 votes and opposed by 235Read moreLukashenko off on official visit to Indonesia — Pool of FirstThe president of Belarus will meet with Indonesian leader Prabowo Subianto in a narrow and expanded formatRead moreWorld central banks intend to reduce dollar share in reserves — ReutersCentral banks plan to increase their holdings of gold and are showing heightened interest in several other reserve currenciesRead moreNATO chief says US flew 5,000 sorties from bases in Europe during operation against IranThis confirms that Europe remains a key military ally of Washington, Mark Rutte saidRead moreRoscosmos, NASA define strategy for safe deorbiting of ISSThe report highlights that in May, international partners reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining ISS operations until 2030Read moreIN BRIEF: Putin comments on Russia’s strategic goals, security, Duma electionRussia is living through a crucial time, the head of state said, as he pledged that the security of the nation will be ensuredRead moreRussian Cabinet closes border crossings with Baltic States, FinlandThe Russian Foreign Ministry was instructed to notify Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki about the decision made by Moscow and effective from July 1Read moreKiev's sponsors refuse to respond to deaths of children in Russia in airstrikes — MPRoza Chemeris' comments came in response to the overnight strike by Ukrainian forces that resulted in the death of a six-month-old baby in Yegoryevsk, near MoscowRead moreLavrov discusses Persian Gulf situation with Bahraini foreign ministerThe foreign ministers stressed the need for a strict compliance by all parties involved in the armed confrontation with the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran Read moreFrench politician accuses Kiev of plotting assassination attempt on entrepreneur in MonacoFlorian Philippot suggested that the attack on Vadim Yermolayev may have been financed "directly by Zelensky" and that "Ukrainian special services" or "pro-Ukrainian extremist groups" may have been involvedRead morePress review: Peace in Lebanon under threat and Germany readies military draft returnTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 30thRead moreLithuanian president appoints Social Democratic Party leader Sinkevicius as prime ministerThe newly appointed prime minister must present to parliament the composition of his cabinet and the government's programRead moreOman proposes Strait of Hormuz fee plan to US — newspaperAccording to the report, Iran and Oman are moving forward with plans to collect payment for ships transiting the strait, despite public US objectionsRead moreOPEC+ countries’ quota to increase by more than 1 mbd in JulyIn light of this, the oil production limit for OPEC+ states stands at 30.633 mbd in July, compared to 29.548 mbd in JunRead moreMore than 6,000 people rescued after earthquake in VenezuelaChairman of the National Assembly Jorge Rodrigue said that 80,870 families were helpedRead moreMonaco authorities do not consider June 29 explosion to be terrorist attack — prosecutorStephane Thibault said that Monaco’s law enforcement agencies are currently working with their French counterparts to identify the person who planted the explosive deviceRead morePublic transport in Crimea provided with fuel — head of regionSergey Aksenov added that limited amount of fuel will be available for sale in the near futureRead moreRussian troops begin fighting for Osykovo northwest of Konstantinovka in DPR — expertAccording to Andrey Marochko, the Ukrainian army is beginning to face elements of a collapsing front line in this directionRead moreUkraine’s 124 UAVs shot down over Russian regions, Black Sea in one day — Defense MinistryDuring the day, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Moscow timeRead moreStrait of Hormuz to be free of tolls, Vance saysJD Vance stressed that the United States still has a lot of leverage points on IranRead moreGazprom confirms receipt of Ukraine’s $1.65 billion gas debt repaymentThe information was confirmed by Gazprom spokesman Sergey KupiyanovRead moreUkrainian MFA verifying citizenship of businessman injured in Monaco explosionAccording to local emergency services, three people - members of a family of Ukrainian origin - were injured in the explosionRead moreBank of Russia crafting defense strategy for Euroclear court battle in BelgiumThe Bank of Russia is aware of Euroclear's lawsuit in BelgiumRead moreMbappe sets record for most goals scored in World Cup knockout stagesKylian Mbappe scored in the Round of 16 match against SwedenRead moreRussia succeeds in creating strike UAV industry comparable to nuclear industry — expertDmitry Kuzyakin underscored that the integration of drones into modern warfare marks a fundamental shift from previous conflictsRead moreJeland to launch C5 fastback crossover in new C-seriesThe prototype's premiere is scheduled for July 3-4 in St. Petersburg and July 18-19 in Moscow during the VK Fest youth festivalRead moreHaaland’s goal propels Norway to Round of 16 at FIFA World CupNorway will play BrazilRead moreSitronics KT, Emperium to developing semi-autonomous ferriesThe project is being developed by AFK Sistema subsidiaries in collaboration with the government of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, Sitronics saidRead moreChild’s death in Moscow Region, discussions on fuel imports: topics of Kremlin’s briefingDmitry Peskov emphasized that the death of a child in Yegoryevsk, near Moscow, due to a drone attack is the result of the Kiev regime's actionsRead moreTokayev shares his impressions of his visit to Brussels with Putin — KremlinFollowing the visit, Kazakhstan signed commercial agreements and memorandums with the EU worth a total of over $12 billionRead moreCuba requests UNGA meeting on July 7 over need to end US blockade — top diplomatBruno Rodriguez Parrilla emphasized that Cuba posed no threat to the United StatesRead moreRussian, Chinese warplanes conducted joint six-hour patrolFighter air cover was provided along the entire joint patrol route by Su-30SM and Su-35S aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces and Jian-16 aircraft of the Chinese Air ForceRead moreInvestigators assume Ukrainian security service behind Monaco blast — Le FigaroThe attack looks more like a 'warning' than a premeditated murder attempt, the newspaper saidRead moreHead of Lebanese parliament vows to unite opponents of agreement with IsraelNabih Berri is trying to prevent an escalation of discontent that could lead to an internal conflict that threatens civil peaceRead moreForest fires engulf 69 acres in Sevastopol following Ukrainian UAVs’ downingThe firefighters have been fighting the fire for over a day, with their work being complicated by difficult mountainous terrain, repeated attacks and new fire outbreaks, Mikhail Razvozhayev addedRead more