Odwilż limitowana. Reformy konstytucyjne w Kazachstanie 2017-2022 .......... 319

LIMITED THAW: CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS IN KAZAKHSTAN 2017-2022

The chapter analyses the constitutional reforms carried out in Kazakhstan between 2017 and 2022 in the context of the declared transformation of the political system and the construction of a so-called ‘new type of state’. The author focuses on key systemic changes, such as the redistribution of powers between the president, parliament and government, the strengthening of the role of representative institutions, as well as reforms concerning the judiciary and the electoral system. Particular attention is paid to analysing the actual impact of these changes on the quality of democracy, transparency of power and political pluralism. The chapter points out that although the reforms were a step towards greater openness and decentralisation, their scope and implementation were limited and controlled, which allows us to speak of a ‘limited thaw’. The work is based on an analysis of legal acts, statements by political leaders and assessments by international organisations.