Turkmenistan, since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, has had a relatively short history of leadership with only a few presidents. Below is a detailed list of the presidents of Turkmenistan, arranged in order, along with their years of tenure.
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| No. | President | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saparmurat Niyazov | 1991 - 2006 |
| 2 | Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow | 2006 - 2022 |
| 3 | Serdar Berdimuhamedow | 2022 - Present |
First President of Turkmenistan: Saparmurat Niyazov
Saparmurat Niyazov was born on February 19, 1940, in Gypjak, Turkmen SSR, Soviet Union (now Turkmenistan). He lost his family during World War II and grew up in a Soviet orphanage. Niyazov pursued engineering studies and joined the Communist Party, where he began his political career.
Before becoming president, Niyazov held several key positions within the Communist Party, including the First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Turkmen SSR from 1985. He was instrumental in the country’s transition from a Soviet republic to an independent nation.
Notable Achievements
- Nation-Building: Niyazov led Turkmenistan through its transition from a Soviet republic to an independent state, establishing the foundations of the country’s sovereignty.
- Ruhnama: He authored the “Ruhnama,” a spiritual guide for the nation, which became a mandatory text in schools and workplaces.
- Economic Policies: His era saw the promotion of state control over the economy, with significant investments in infrastructure and social programs.
Downsides of Tenure
- Authoritarian Rule: Niyazov was criticized for his authoritarian rule, where he maintained absolute power and faced little opposition. He declared himself “Turkmenbashi,” meaning “Leader of the Turkmen,” and developed a personality cult.
- Human Rights: His regime was marked by severe human rights abuses, including suppression of freedom of speech, press, and political opposition.
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Current President of Turkmenistan: Serdar Berdimuhamedow
Serdar Berdimuhamedow was born on September 22, 1981, in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. He is the son of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the second president of Turkmenistan. Serdar pursued higher education in various fields, including engineering, economics, and international relations, both in Turkmenistan and abroad.
Before becoming president, Serdar held multiple governmental positions, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Construction. His political career was closely tied to his father’s administration, where he gained experience in governance and state affairs.
Notable Achievements:
- Continuity of Governance: Serdar has focused on continuing his father’s policies, particularly in areas like economic diversification, digital transformation, and international relations.
- Youth and Innovation: His leadership has brought a younger perspective to the government, with a focus on modernization and innovation in various sectors.
Downsides of Tenure:
- Dynastic Concerns: Critics argue that his rise to power reflects a dynastic transfer of power rather than a democratic process, which could undermine the credibility of governance in Turkmenistan.
- Limited Political Reform: Despite some modernization efforts, there have been few significant political reforms, with the country continuing to face criticism for lack of political freedoms and human rights issues.
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Current Vice Presidents Raşit Meredow
Raşit Meredow was born on May 19, 1960, in Ashgabat, Turkmen SSR, Soviet Union. He holds a law degree and has had a long career in Turkmenistan’s legal and political spheres.
Meredow has served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan since 2001, making him one of the longest-serving foreign ministers in the world. He has also held various roles in the legal system, including as a prosecutor and legal advisor.
Notable Achievements
- Diplomacy: Meredow has played a key role in shaping Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, particularly its stance on neutrality and its relations with neighboring countries.
- Legal Reforms: He has been involved in several legal reforms aimed at modernizing the country’s legal framework, although the extent and impact of these reforms are often debated.
Downsides:
- Human Rights: Meredow’s long tenure as Foreign Minister has coincided with ongoing criticism of Turkmenistan’s human rights record, with little progress in improving freedoms and reducing repression.
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Conclusion
Turkmenistan’s leadership history is marked by strong, centralized power with limited political pluralism. The presidents have played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s identity and policies, with significant impacts on both the country’s development and its international standing. However, the concentration of power and the challenges in governance remain ongoing issues that define the political landscape of Turkmenistan.