It's time to tighten your belts and live within your means. Such a statement was made by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at an expanded government meeting in Astana.
The Head of the Republic of Kazakhstan instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to ensure total savings of funds and their spending only on solving the most pressing tasks.
"The government will have to make difficult decisions and, most importantly, implement them in order to prevent economic stagnation and ensure its sustainable development. This task is within the power of civil servants who are highly qualified and ready to take responsibility," Tokayev said.
According to him, it needs to be done, "no matter how hard it is."
"It's time to tighten your belts and live within your means," Tokayev further said.
According to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Kazakhstan's budget is experiencing a chronic deficit. At the same time, there is especially not enough money for development.
"The funds of the National Fund will be requested, as you instructed, exclusively for the construction of large infrastructure facilities. At the same time, we will increase the efficiency of government spending and strengthen budget discipline," the head of government said, addressing the president.