During his annual state-of-the-nation address, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed the development of nuclear energy. He noted that the construction of a nuclear power plant is a particularly important economic and political matter and proposed putting it to a nationwide referendum. The Head of State recalled his 2019 election platform promise, stating that decisions on strategic issues, most important for the nation’s future, will be made at referendums. One of them is building or opting not to construct a nuclear power plant.
“The state-of-the-nation address touched upon topics that are currently being actively discussed in society. The Head of State noted that decisions on all issues of strategic importance for the country’s future are made taking into account the public opinion. For example, the next responsible and important step will be holding a referendum regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant,” said Yerlan Koshanov, Chairperson of the Mazhilis, the Lower House of the Kazakh Parliament.