50% of the income of the National Fund will be transferred to the children of Kazakhstan to personal accounts

Our press focused on the fact that the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, announced early presidential elections, a presidential term of 7 years, and the abolition of the right to run for a second term. Meanwhile, these moments are only part of the program.

It is clear why the reaction to state-political reforms followed in the first place. After all, Tokayev is the first president in the post-Soviet space, limiting his own term of office.

“On the one hand, 7 years is a sufficient period for the implementation of any ambitious program,” he argued his proposal in a Message to the people. “On the other hand, limiting the presidential mandate to one term will ensure the maximum focus of the Head of State on solving the strategic tasks of national development.”

Tokayev’s program is set out in the Address. (https://www.zakon.kz/6023631-opublikovan-polnyi-tekst-poslaniia-prezidenta-narodu-kazakhstana.html) Everything that affects the interests of the country and its citizens is stipulated there – from the reform of public administration, law enforcement system, economic development to health and education. Key words — “Just state. Prosperous Society”.

What politician does not talk about justice. Often this is called “populism”, sometimes even “demagogy”. Time passes, and people forget about the promised milk rivers and jelly banks. However, in Tokayev’s speech, there are not just general phrases, but a combination of words that sink into the mass consciousness: “Fair distribution of the national income.” Moreover, quite concrete measures are planned. Moreover, a period has been set for their start – the next year and a half. And the measures are such that they will not be forgotten; in any case, they already evoke an emotional reaction. It will be fulfilled – honor and praise, will not be – shame, general indignation.

But about these measures – at the end.

Among other specific plans of social orientation – an increase in the minimum wage and an increase in pensions by 27%. As well as the introduction of a “luxury tax”.

By the way, the social aspect is indicated at the very beginning of the Message – in the list of the country’s global problems:

“The systemic problems of our economy are well known. These are dependence on raw materials, low labor productivity, insufficient level of innovation, uneven distribution of income.”

We, Russians, have a lot in common with Tokayev’s Message. For example, the land issue. Kazakhstan, like Russia, is an agricultural country. Land is an enduring wealth that cannot be depreciated. Who owns it, how it was distributed, distributed, bought and sold, in what condition – is certainly of interest to us. And for Kazakhstan:

“I would like to dwell personally on the activities of the commission for the reclamation of undeveloped lands. As part of the work of the commission, 2.9 million hectares of agricultural land were returned to the state. By the end of the year, it is planned to recultivate at least 5 million hectares. The amount of undeveloped or illegally transferred land is about 10 million hectares.”

The most important point is the place of the country in the world economic system. Here the former course remained unshakable and was further developed. As you know, Kazakhstan adheres to the policy of equidistance, entering into profitable financial and industrial relations with all countries. One of the main tasks of the present and future was and is considered to be the transfer of high technologies, the attraction of transnational companies. Tokayev continued: “This issue is of particular importance in connection with the relocation of foreign enterprises to Kazakhstan.”

With relocation, that is, with their movement and placement in the republic. Now 19 thousand foreign legal entities are registered in Kazakhstan. One third are from Russia. Every second medium and two out of three large foreign companies are enterprises with the participation of the USA, Great Britain and the countries of the European Union.

And, of course, investments. President Tokayev confirmed the further expansion of benefits for foreign investors. Over 30 years of independence, more than 360 billion dollars of foreign capital has been invested in the economy of Kazakhstan.

Now – about how these notes began.

“Each family should get a real return on the use of the country’s national wealth,” Tokayev announced in his Address. “Therefore, I consider it extremely important to launch a fundamentally new program “National Fund for Children” within the framework of the Year of Children announced by me. I propose to allocate 50% of the annual investment income of the National Fund to special savings accounts for children until they reach the age of 18, without the right to early withdrawal. Upon reaching the age of majority, the accumulated amounts will be used to purchase housing and receive education. These funds will give the younger generation a real ticket to adulthood. Given the need for a thorough study of this large-scale undertaking, I instruct to launch the project from January 1, 2024.”

All the provisions of the Address, in one way or another, are a continuation, development or reform of the previous economic and political course.

And this position is special. And, perhaps, more than significant in social terms, in the creation of new relations between the state and the population.

Such promises are not forgotten. Moreover, specific, short-term dates are outlined.

The Ministry of Economy and the National Bank of Kazakhstan have already announced that special accounts will be opened for all children under the age of 18 by January 2024 for the annual transfer of funds. Deposits in dollars with interest will protect savings from inflation.

Sergei Baimukhametov.

Photo: akorda.kz