Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Photo courtesy of tdh.gov.tm
Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov dismissed several government officials on the spot during an extended cabinet meeting on February 7, following their reports on the country's economic performance in 2024. Among those removed was Minister of Economy and Finance Serdar Joraev, according to the state news agency Turkmenistan Today.
In his report, Joraev presented data on the execution of the state budget, investment utilization, and the implementation of the National Rural Program. According to the minister, state budget revenues reached 105.9% of the target, while expenditures stood at 99.9%.
Shortly thereafter, Berdimuhamedov relieved Joraev of his duties and appointed his deputy, Mammetguly Astangulov, as the new minister. The president did not provide any reasons for the personnel change.
Deputy Prime Minister for Culture and Media Myakhridjemal Mammedova also presented her report, detailing events dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the poet Magtymguly Pyragy, creative competitions, book presentations by the president and his father, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and other cultural activities.
Following her presentation, the president dismissed Mammedova and appointed Bahar Seyidova in her place. Seyidova had previously served as the chair of the parliamentary committee on science, education, culture, and youth policy. The reasons for Mammedova’s removal were not disclosed.
Similarly, without explanation, the governor of Ahal province, Soltanmyrat Soltanmyradov, was dismissed after presenting his 2024 performance report. His successor is Toiguly Nurmyradov.
Despite the shake-up, Berdimuhamedov highlighted Turkmenistan’s economic growth, stating that GDP increased by 6.3% in 2024. The industrial sector grew by 1.5%, construction by 11%, transport and communications by 7.2%, trade by 10.1%, and services by 8.6%. Retail trade also showed positive momentum, rising by 13.1%.
Salaries at large and medium-sized enterprises increased by 10.6%, and pensions, scholarships, and other benefits were paid on time. The country also fully met its capital investment targets across all funding sources.
Looking ahead to 2025, the president outlined ambitious development plans, including the construction of 500,000 square meters of new housing, schools with a total capacity of 4,620 students, and kindergartens for 2,000 children. Additionally, Turkmenistan is set to host several major international events.
Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that, through unity and dedicated labor, the country would achieve its development goals for the year ahead.
