Halk Maslahaty Session: Power Manipulation and the Real Situation in Turkmenistan

On September 23, 2024, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, former President of Turkmenistan and current head of the Halk Maslahaty, held a session dedicated to the 33rd anniversary of the country’s independence. Although official sources actively promote this format as a manifestation of people’s sovereignty and stabilization, the real political and social situation in Turkmenistan is not so rosy.

The Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council) format was restored in 2021 at the initiative of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and since then meetings have been held regularly, attracting the attention of international observers and critics. However, there are many questions about the real role of this institution. Maslahaty is formally presented as a people’s platform for discussion and decision-making, but in practice it is only a symbolic body, where all decisions are dictated by the president and his entourage. In fact, this is a classic example of authoritarian governance, where a democratic shell is used to strengthen control over the population. All decisions are predetermined, and discussions have an exclusively propaganda purpose – to confirm the “people’s support” for the regime. In the absence of opposition, independent press and a real separation of powers, Maslakhat meetings lose their meaning and serve to strengthen the cult of personality.

In their speeches, the Berdimuhamedovs traditionally focused on issues of national unity and economic successes, avoiding mentioning the real problems that worry Turkmen society. In particular, achievements in infrastructure, GDP growth and the creation of new jobs were mentioned. However, these figures have little to do with reality, where the standard of living remains critically low.

Despite the official rhetoric, Turkmenistan is plunging into a deep economic and social crisis. Ordinary citizens are faced with a lack of basic living conditions – constant food shortages, shortages of essential goods, corruption and increased migration abroad. Discontent is growing among the population, which no longer believes in the propaganda slogans of stability and prosperity.

One of the key characteristics of Turkmenistan’s political regime is the personality cult of both the former and current presidents. Berdimuhamedov Sr., after formally stepping down as president in 2022, remains at the center of political life, effectively retaining control over all key decisions. His son, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, is president, but his father’s influence remains significant.

The system of power is designed to ensure unquestioning obedience and loyalty to the environment. Any criticism or opposition activity is suppressed. In such conditions, it is impossible to talk about people’s rule and a democratic process. Even presidential elections are just a formality, since any real competitor is excluded from the political process at an early stage.

Amid propaganda speeches and official ceremonies, real social problems continue to mount. Turkmen people, unable to change the situation inside the country, increasingly choose emigration as the only way to improve their situation. According to the data, the number of Turkmen migrants in Russia, Turkey and other countries continues to grow, which is due to unemployment, low wages and the inability to receive quality education or health care in their home country.
Corruption is one of the key reasons for the stagnation of the economy. In conditions where bribes have become the norm at all levels, from obtaining a passport to entering a university, government structures are losing their effectiveness. People find themselves hostages of a system where even the basic rights guaranteed by the constitution are violated on a daily basis.

What awaits Turkmenistan?

The main question that remains unanswered is how long will this system exist and what awaits Turkmenistan in the future? Political and economic stagnation can lead to serious social upheavals. In conditions where the basic needs of the population are ignored and real problems are hushed up, what kind of well-being can we talk about? People are deprived of the right to a normal life, freedom of expression, and fair elections. Even participation in the presidential elections is meaningless, since they are neither free nor democratic. Turkmenistan remains one of the most closed and corrupt states in the world, and without radical reforms the situation is unlikely to change.