? Golf for the Elite — Thirst and Decay for the People: Protest Erupts in Balkan Region

? Golf for the Elite — Thirst and Decay for the People: Protest Erupts in Balkan Region Article by the Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” After the Lebap region, public discontent has now reached the Balkan region. In the city of Turkmenbashi, dozens of residents gathered in front of the hakimlik (city administration) to protest against the construction of a new golf club in the Avaza tourist zone. According to local residents, the preparation for this luxury project became the last straw. While authorities are ready to spend tens of thousands — in reality, far more — on entertainment for a narrow circle of elites, ordinary people have lived for years without basic necessities. Citizens openly pointed out: — chronic shortages of drinking water — electricity, water, and gas provided only for limited hours — hundreds of homes with leaking roofs during rain and snow — lack of sidewalks on many streets — absence of parks and safe spaces for children — severely damaged infrastructure beyond the “showcase” central roads Authorities polish the façade for reports, while the rest of the city falls apart. Main roads are repaired for appearances, while other streets resemble obstacle courses, causing accidents and damaging residents’ vehicles. And against this backdrop — a golf club. As protesters rightly noted: Turkmen citizens do not play golf. Golf is played by four oligarchs and their inner circle. If the state has money for elite entertainment, then it has money for water, electricity, gas, housing repairs, and safe infrastructure. The question is simple: who is the national budget for — the people or the ruling clan? The hakim promised to “solve the problems.” At the same time, he warned protesters that if they did not go home, officers from the Ministry of National Security (MNB) would arrive — and “things would get bad.” This is how social issues are addressed in Turkmenistan: not with solutions, but with threats. Journalists from Radio Azatlyk attempted to contact the Turkmenbashi city administration using the phone numbers listed on its official website. None of the calls were answered. The decision to build the golf club belongs to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. And the obvious question arises: Who can oppose him? And who is he accountable to? The people? Unlikely. In Turkmenistan, citizens are no longer consulted about anything. Instead, the burden of survival has been shifted onto their shoulders — turning people into migrants, debtors, and rightless labor. The Human Rights Platform “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” states: We will closely monitor the situation in the Balkan region. We will prepare and submit appeals to international human rights institutions, relevant organizations, and diplomatic missions. Access to water, electricity, safe housing, and infrastructure are not “minor household issues.” They are fundamental human rights. And no golf club can hide thirst, decay, and systemic injustice. ?? Source: https://youtu.be/ouhoBApBw_U?si=OXem7KQcwW74FrOq?