‘No one has the right to dictate what language people speak’ – Tokayev

©️ Turar Kazangapov

Tengrinews.kz - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized that no one in Kazakhstan has the right to tell citizens which language to speak—whether in private or in public. Any attempts to incite division over this issue will be firmly dealt with in accordance with the law, he said during a session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan.

Tengrinews.kz - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized that no one in Kazakhstan has the right to tell citizens which language to speak—whether in private or in public. Any attempts to incite division over this issue will be firmly dealt with in accordance with the law, he said during a session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan.

Tokayev pointed out that around 80 percent of graduates now take the Unified National Testing in the state language, and over 70 percent of first-grade students this year are beginning their education in Kazakh.

“It goes without saying that in Kazakhstan, no one is entitled to dictate what language people should speak in personal conversations or public settings. Any provocative actions aimed at stirring up discord or destabilizing the country on this basis will be stopped and punished by law. And by provocateurs, I’m referring not only to those operating domestically but also to those engaged in destructive activities from abroad, often funded by foreign organizations,” the President said.

He reminded the audience that during last year’s National Kurultai, Kazakhstan’s core values were laid out: unity, patriotism, independence, and harmony.

“I want to reiterate: those who attempt to divide and fracture society will be held fully accountable under the law and face inevitable punishment. But those who work toward unity and harmony will always be held in high regard,” Tokayev added.

Earlier, on March 20, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev convened the 34th session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the APK.

What is the APK?

The Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan is a consultative and advisory body that unites representatives of all ethnic groups living in the republic. The 33rd session, titled “Unity. Creation. Progress,” was held in Astana on April 24–25, 2024.

The APK is a key public platform that brings together people of different nationalities, cultures, and traditions around shared Kazakhstani values, said Deputy Chairman of the APK Dmitry Ostankovich earlier.

According to him, the assembly’s role goes beyond preserving cultural heritage — it fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect, civic responsibility, and unity.

This year’s session, he added, will be a starting point for rethinking the APK’s mission, summarizing over 30 years of its work and outlining new directions for development.

The President of Kazakhstan serves as the Chair of the APK.

Previously, President Tokayev spoke about the development of Kazakh society.

Tokayev Kassym-Jomart language Assembly of People of Kazakhstan