Halk Maslahaty: In the Name of the People — Without the People’s Voice

Halk Maslahaty: In the Name of the People — Without the People’s Voice In September, Turkmenistan is expected to hold another session of the Halk Maslahaty — a body whose very name means People’s Council. Radio Azatlyk reports that possible decisions and initiatives are already being discussed inside the country and may be presented at the session as proposals made “on behalf of the people.” Yet behind the official rhetoric lies a much more serious question: to what extent are the real concerns of citizens represented on the agenda of the Halk Maslahaty at all? The people have a different agenda According to Radio Azatlyk, citizens are primarily concerned about economic and social problems: rising prices, wages, pensions and benefits, unemployment, corruption, freedom of trade, internet access, labor rights, migration, transportation, and freedom of expression. These are not abstract political issues. They are part of people’s everyday reality. Is a salary enough to buy food and clothing for children? Can a pensioner live with dignity on a pension? Where can a young person find a job? Why can citizens not freely use the internet? Why should anyone fear consequences for criticizing an official or a government decision? These are precisely the issues that should be on the agenda of a People’s Council. Decisions “on behalf of the people” The mere existence of a representative body does not mean that citizens genuinely participate in governing the country. If decisions are truly made on behalf of the people, citizens must be able to freely put forward proposals, publicly discuss government policy, criticize it, and demand accountability. No one should fear persecution for raising questions about wages, corruption, social problems, or the actions of state institutions. It is impossible to restrict access to independent information and public debate and then present predetermined decisions as an expression of the people’s will. Genuine representation begins where citizens are free to speak. The country needs more than symbolic change Radio Azatlyk’s report also discusses rumors about possible administrative initiatives, including restoring the historical names of certain towns and districts. Historical memory matters. But changing names will not solve poverty, raise wages, lower prices, or create jobs. Turkmenistan needs real change: decent incomes and social protection, affordable food, employment opportunities, an independent judiciary, effective action against corruption, unrestricted internet access, freedom of expression, respect for labor rights, and freedom of movement. The right to shape the future of one’s country Citizens of Turkmenistan have the right to participate in public affairs and to express their views on decisions that directly affect their lives. Therefore, ahead of the Halk Maslahaty session, the authorities should not create the appearance of public consensus but listen to the genuine demands of society. There should be a safe mechanism for citizens to submit proposals. People must be able to speak without fear. Their proposals should be made public and discussed, and the authorities should respond to them. We therefore address the citizens of Turkmenistan directly: What issues should the Halk Maslahaty address in September? Wages? Pensions and social benefits? Prices? Unemployment? Corruption? Healthcare? Education? Internet access? Freedom of movement? Human rights? Tell us what truly affects you and your families. Because this is the central contradiction surrounding today’s Halk Maslahaty: decisions may be announced in the name of the people, while the voice of the people themselves remains largely unheard. A genuine People’s Council does not begin with a ceremonial session or prepared speeches. It begins with the right of citizens to determine what their government should be discussing. Source: Radio Azatlyk, August 7, 2026, “Mejlisde ýene hökümeti ‘abraýdan gaçyrýan’ teklipler edilermi?”