Tokayev criticized men hugging each other

Tokayev slams men's hugging

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has strongly criticized the custom of hugging between men, saying it goes against the country's traditional customs.

"It's not good for men to hug each other, to kiss each other, for women to kiss men, and for men to kiss women. This has never happened in our customs," he told reporters after casting his vote in the parliamentary elections in Astana.

Tokayev added that it was unimaginable for the military to be in such a state.

"Men should shake hands and shake hands. You should greet each other with a smile, not a warm chop or a stick, but no more than that. Especially those in military uniform. Even generals are starting to hug each other. What is this?" he objected.

On Sunday, Kazakhstan is holding elections for a new unicameral parliament, the Kurultai. According to the law, after the Kurultai is elected, the government must hand over its powers and a new Cabinet of Ministers must be formed accordingly.