A New Era Of Reform?

March 2007 | Ratings Update

Despite insisting that the late Saparmurat Niyazov is still his greatest influence and authority, President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov removed the reference to the former leader from the official oath of loyalty after only one week in office. The new president has prompted international optimism that he will pursue a reform agenda, having already pledged to improve education and healthcare and opened up free internet access to the public. BMI, however, remains cautious on any substantive political liberalisation.

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