Divorce tax proposal by deputy criticized, according to the expert
In a turn of events, political analyst Gaziz Abishev vocalized his dissent against a proposal by Mazhilis deputy Ardarkhan Nazarov. The deputy suggested an intriguing notion: hiking divorce taxes in Kazakhstan, according to our reports.
Abishev perceives this suggestion as another example of Kazakhstan's "coercion to love" culture, manifesting itself in various ways. He likens it to bride kidnapping, pursuing ex-spouses, religious extremism, and ultraliberal agendas, demanding that people forcefully love the object of influence. 'Like it or not, bear it, my beauty,' he wrote.
Abishev poses a question: if two individuals decide to part ways, how can they infringe upon the rights of others, families, and the state as a whole? He questions the idea of a primitive understanding of human nature and a totalitarian interpretation of social dynamics. If people don't want to live together, they have the right to do so. An increased tax is a violation of their constitutional and human rights.
He also worries that such an initiative could lead people to be artificially trapped in marriages, especially in toxic relationships. He urges against pressuring individuals to endure domestic abusers, cheaters, spenders, or layabouts, viewing this as a medieval approach unsuitable for modern society.
Moreover, Abishev believes the measure could deter young people from getting married if divorce appears financially risky. He fears this could negatively impact the institution of family, leading to a decrease in marriage registrations. In essence, he argues that Nazorov is proposing to sabotage family formation in Kazakhstan by inflicting financial penalties for divorces.
On April 30, Nazorov submitted a parliamentary request to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, proposing a massive informational-propaganda campaign against wedding loans in Kazakhstan. Additionally, he suggested considering the possibility of gradually increasing the tax rate for those who are divorced.
It's essential to note that, at present, there are no specific details available regarding the proposed increase in "divorce taxes" in Kazakhstan. However, Kazakhstan's economy is projected to grow in 2025 due to increased oil production, and plans for fiscal consolidation measures, such as tax increases, are under consideration.[1]
In a different context, family court fees have recently increased in the UK as of April 2025, but this does not directly relate to Kazakhstan or the concept of "divorce taxes."[4] To gain more detailed insights into the potential impacts or controversies related to tax changes or legal costs associated with divorce in Kazakhstan, it would be beneficial to consult local or regional news sources.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/oil-rich-kazakhstan-backs-down-from-gas-export-price-cap-plan-2023-03-22/[4] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/court-and-tribunal-fee-changes-from-6-april-2023
- Amidst growing concerns, political analyst Gaziz Abishev criticizes a proposed policy in Kazakhstan's politics that would increase taxes on divorced individuals, viewing it as a form of coercion to love.
- Abishev argues that this coercive measure could lead to a decrease in marriage registrations due to potential financial risks associated with divorce, possibly leading to the sabotage of family formation in Kazakhstan.
- In a different context, while family court fees have increased in the UK starting from April 2025, these changes do not directly relate to Kazakhstan or the concept of "divorce taxes."
- Local or regional news sources are valuable for gaining more detailed insights into the potential impacts or controversies associated with tax changes or legal costs related to divorce in Kazakhstan.
