April 10, 2025
On the sidelines of the spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), a round table titled “Democratic Reforms – Basis of Stability and Prosperity” was held, dedicated to the implementation of democratic transformations in Kazakhstan. The event featured speeches by the Chairwoman of the Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan E. Azimova, Deputy Chairperson of the Senate O. Perepechina, Chairman of the political group in PACE Z. Németh, Director of the Secretariat of the Venice Commission S. Granat-Menghini, Executive Secretary of GRECO L. Stoica, Head of the Program Coordination Directorate of the Council of Europe S. Dürr, representatives of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, and Mr Alberto Turkstra, Project Director of Diplomatic World.
In her speech, E. Azimova noted the process of strengthening the supremacy of the Constitution, the development of the institution of constitutional control and the role of the judiciary in protecting human rights and freedoms in Kazakhstan.
The participants discussed the implementation of President K. Tokayev’s initiatives aimed at rebooting Kazakhstan’s political system, strengthening national human rights mechanisms, enhancing the accountability of the public administration system, among other areas.
Attention was paid to the human rights agenda, ensuring the independence of the judicial system, anti-corruption policy and international cooperation in the field of promoting democratic values. Significant positive changes resulting from the ongoing reforms were highlighted. Council of Europe representatives confirmed their readiness to further develop mutually beneficial cooperation with Kazakhstan and particularly emphasised Kazakhstan’s progress in improving human rights practices, strengthening human rights protection, and upholding the rule of law.