The former Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan emphasized the importance of legal institutions and the redistribution of powers for the region.
Felix Kulov, the ex-head of the government of Kyrgyzstan and former vice president, expressed the opinion that the constitutional reform in Kazakhstan is a logical step in the development of statehood. It aims to adapt the political system to modern challenges.
Kulov highlighted that any changes to the Constitution should be viewed through the lens of the historical evolution of society and the state. He noted that the Constitution is not a static document and must change in accordance with social conditions.
“There are no perfect constitutions. The fundamental law always reflects the current tasks and challenges of its time. With changing living conditions, constitutions must also improve, which is a natural process of development,” he added.
Kulov views the changes in Kazakhstan not as a one-time reform but as part of a long-term process of institutional changes. In the context of new economic, technological, and geopolitical realities, the ability of the state to adapt becomes critically important for its resilience.
Addressing the content of the reform, Kulov highlighted the significant strengthening of legal mechanisms for protecting citizens' rights, particularly the establishment of a Constitutional Court, which provides citizens with more opportunities to defend their rights.
“The creation of a Constitutional Court significantly strengthens the system for protecting citizens' rights. The direct opportunity to appeal to this body meets international standards and represents an important step towards strengthening the rule of law,” he emphasized.
The expert also touched upon changes in the structure of the highest authority. The introduction of a single seven-year presidential term, in his opinion, is aimed at minimizing the risks of excessive concentration of power and creating a more balanced political system.
In this regard, Kulov noted the importance of restrictions on the appointment of close relatives of the president to high positions. This, he said, is a necessary mechanism to prevent conflicts of interest and increase transparency in governance.
Kulov also emphasized issues related to the management of natural resources. He noted that enshrining in the Constitution the principle that land and its subsoil belong to the people is of great significance for state policy in this area.
“For a country with rich resource potential, this norm is especially important. It emphasizes that natural wealth is a national asset, and state policy should be aimed at ensuring that the income from their use serves the interests of the entire society,” Kulov added.
Continuing this thought, the expert noted that reforms are significant not only for the political system but also for economic development.
“Strong legal institutions are one of the key factors for economic growth. International practice confirms that countries that strengthen the rule of law and create transparent conditions for doing business achieve significant success in economic development,” he stated.
According to Kulov's assessment, the new edition of the Constitution of Kazakhstan creates a legal basis for future political and economic transformations.
Moreover, he noted the importance of the changes occurring at the regional level. Kazakhstan, being the largest economy in Central Asia, plays a central role in ensuring the stability of the entire region.
According to Kulov, the successful development of Kazakhstan has a direct positive impact on neighboring countries, given their close economic, transport, and cultural ties.
In conclusion of his analysis, Kulov emphasized that not only the content of the reforms is important, but also their practical implementation.
The extent to which the principles enshrined in the Constitution are consistently implemented will determine its ability to become a reliable foundation for strengthening state institutions, enhancing the well-being of citizens, and ensuring the long-term development of the country.
