Turkmenistan’s dictatorial governance under President Serdar Berdymukhamedov, who assumed the presidency in March 2022, continues with severe political restrictions and human rights abuses. Worsening living conditions and significant emigration fueled protests, resulting in tighter government control and harsh penalties for minor infractions.
The gas-rich country has faced an ongoing economic crisis since 2015. The difficult economic situation is marked by a loss of purchasing power, a lack of affordable food supplies, increased poverty and high levels of unemployment.
The President’s dictatorial governance stifles political and economic reforms. Corruption remains unaddressed and the government’s efforts to dominate all spheres of society and income sources persist. However, there is some improvement in state administration professionalism, as well as modest progress in social services and environmental issues. Internationally, Turkmenistan seeks positive relations for reputation and donor attraction rather than democratization.
