The sixteenth anniversary of independence of the Turkmen state cannot be referred to a jubilee. Yet, this year, the country’s main national holiday is of special importance. The year passed after the XV anniversary of independence turned out full of events and can be compared to marking another fifth anniversary. This year was the time of hard tests and new hopes, of responsible decisions and joy of creation, and the time of triumph of fruitful results.

Turkmenistan has gained Independence sixteen years ago October 27th… from Soviet Union. There are many banners in Turkmenistan that always include the words “independence” and “turkmenbashy”. It seems it’ not the nation that became sovereign.

Yes, Turkmenistan is independent. When one hears the name of this country, he or she usually thinks of Turkmen government and its activities (if aware). Turkmen government is very independent from the people’s voices and lives. Unfortunately, it is the only institution (or person?) to enjoy this privilige of Independence.

Each year this is the day when the achievenments and progress are assessed for Turkmenistan. Praise for all the greatness and prosperity reflects only one particular individual.

In some way it is a President who actually made it all real for the Golden Age…

The latter is especially important in any attempt to analyze and assess the activities of the new Turkmen President during the first year of his presidency. He doesn’t strive to get a momentous result by any means. Prioritizing the social aspect of the domestic policy, the Turkmen President started to create a foundation of the announced large-scale transformations. This fundamental approach can be referred to any area of started reforms — energy, agriculture, healthcare, education… The more thorough the comprehensive preparation of the reform is, the more reliable the expectation of the result will be.