The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” draws attention to the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, published on 10 February 2026 by Transparency International. Source: https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2025� According to the report, countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia continue to face serious challenges related to weak institutions, concentration of power, and shrinking civic space. Turkmenistan — One of the Lowest Scores in the Region Turkmenistan received 17 out of 100 points, placing it among the countries with the highest perceived levels of corruption in the region. For comparison: Tajikistan — 19 points Russia — 22 points Kyrgyzstan — 26 points Uzbekistan — 31 points Kazakhstan — 38 points Even amid limited reforms in several Central Asian countries, Turkmenistan remains the most closed state in the region, with virtually no effective mechanisms of public oversight. Absence of Independent Institutions The Transparency International report emphasizes that corruption intensifies where: judicial independence is weakened; media freedom is restricted; civil society is suppressed; government decision-making lacks transparency. In Turkmenistan, all these factors are systemic. There are no independent media outlets, no genuine parliamentary oversight mechanisms, and the judiciary remains fully dependent on the executive branch. Civil society has been effectively dismantled, and independent initiatives face pressure and restrictions. Comparison with Other Central Asian Countries Kyrgyzstan (26) and Kazakhstan (38) continue to restrict NGO activities and strengthen control over anti-corruption structures, raising concerns among international observers. Uzbekistan (31) has introduced certain reforms; however, journalists and bloggers investigating corruption still face pressure. Tajikistan (19) remains among the lowest-scoring countries, yet Turkmenistan continues to occupy one of the very last positions in the region. Thus, despite problems in neighboring states, Turkmenistan remains the most opaque and centralized governance system in Central Asia. The Link Between Authoritarianism and Corruption The report underlines that corruption is not inevitable — it flourishes where accountability mechanisms are weakened and checks and balances are dismantled. Lidija Prokic, Regional Advisor for Eastern and South-Eastern Europe at Transparency International, stated: “Corruption in Eastern Europe and Central Asia is not inevitable; it thrives where democracy is weakened and accountability is absent.” In Turkmenistan, where independent media are absent, political competition is restricted, and budget transparency mechanisms do not function, corruption risks are systemic. Position of the “DAYANÇ” Platform Turkmenistan’s position in the 2025 Index confirms that without: an independent judiciary, free media, protected civic space, transparent public finances, the fight against corruption is impossible. Corruption in Turkmenistan is not a series of isolated incidents — it is a structural consequence of absolute power concentration and lack of accountability. The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” calls for: strengthening judicial independence; ending the persecution of independent voices; reopening civic space; ensuring transparency of public spending; allowing international monitoring. Without systemic reforms, Turkmenistan will remain among the most closed and corruption-vulnerable states in the region.
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