NUR-SULTAN. KAZINFORM - Partner of the Center for Research and Consulting LLP Kuanysh Zhaikov expressed his opinion on President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev’s speech at the extended meeting of the Government, Kazinform reports.

“We have different sociological surveys. For example, last year we conducted a sociological survey assessing the level of public confidence in various government institutions. It was confirmed that there is a certain sacralization of power at place, as the lower the level, the less people trust the authorities. The survey showed that most of all people trust institutions such as the army and the government. The President is the symbol of trust for all people. Why is this trust important right now? When Kassym-Jomart Tokayev says something, calls for something, people listen. And when the same messages are heard from representatives of local executive bodies, there is less trust,” commented Kuanysh Zhaikov.

“The head of state also drew attention to self-government, saying that it is necessary to develop self-government as much as possible. In many countries, it is accepted that the vast majority of problems are solved by the population by negotiating among themselves at the local level. It's all decided locally. Our country is very big. The level of centralization is quite high. It is impossible, being in the capital, to solve the problems of other cities. Distance is very important. If the central government goes for such decentralization, that is, local self-government, then, of course, it will be difficult at first. However, over time, when people learn to negotiate locally among themselves, not only good social consequences will occur, but also from the point of view of economics, there is a very serious relationship between the level of trust in society and economic performance. Polls show that society has not learned to trust. When there is horizontal trust between people, it is easier to do business. Of course, this is a long way to go, but the beginning is the self-government that the President spoke about. Of course, I support him,” said the partner of Center for Research and Consulting LLP.

Kuanysh Zhaikov also believes that the President’s idea about economy and employment of the population being important measures is correct.

“At an extended meeting of the Government the head of state said that both economy and employment are very important. Even if quarantine is introduced, it should not be introduced in the same way as a complete lockdown. The President noted that the country’s economy is important, so everything needs to be done thoughtfully. This is a very correct measure. I am opposed to strict quarantines, because even if strict quarantines are introduced, our mortality rate will increase even more due to unemployment and a decrease in incomes of the population. Therefore, I support his thinking,” the speaker concluded. The full text of the President's speech at the enlarged meeting of the Government can be accessed here.