Kazakhstan parliament passes law expanding powers of president during state of emergency

NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan – The deputies of the Senate approved a draft law on the state of emergency, under which the President of Kazakhstan receives additional powers.

Presenting the bill to senators, Kazakh Minister of Economy Ruslan Dalenov said on May 14 that during the state of emergency, the country's leaders will have the opportunity to take action operational to ensure socio-economic stability.

"The bill defines the operating mechanism of public administration in the event of an emergency. Then, changes are made to the laws "On the state of emergency" and "On legal acts," said the minister.

The implementation of the bill will also guarantee the President's operational intervention in public relations in a state of emergency, requiring urgent measures to maintain stability and guarantee national security, including the economic security of the state, he said.

All legal acts adopted during the state of emergency, in general, will be valid until their expiration.

On April 29, the Mazhilis (lower house) amendments adopted the amendments to the state of emergency bill. After adoption by the Senate, the document will have been sent for signature to the Head of State.

The state of emergency was declared on March 16 in Kazakhstan due to the coronavirus pandemic and lasted until May 11 this year.