DUSHANBE, August 6, 2011, Asia-Plus – Tajik experts are sure that the government is currently faced with a difficult choice – who will replace Asadullo Ghulomov as first deputy prime minister.
First Deputy Prime Minister, Asadullo Ghulomov, died suddenly in Dushanbe on August 3, aged 57. According to some sources, Ghulomov died of a stroke.
Tajik journalist Nourali Davlatov notes that even persons who occupied the corridors of power do not know who will replace Ghulomov as the first deputy prime minister. He reminded president Rahmon’s statement at one of government sessions that he does not have personnel [candidates for management positions] anymore.
The journalist termed the vacant position of the Security Council Secretary as an example of that situation. “This position has been vacant for already three months. Why is it vacant? One just can only suppose. A reliable person is needed,” the journalist noted.
Nourali Davlatov stressed that the first deputy prime minister was in charge for such important sectors as construction, transportation and energy. “Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent for enhancement of these sectors, and therefore, an absolutely honest person must be appointed to this position, especially if we take into account the level of corruption in our country,” said Davlatov, “But there are no such persons in our government.”
“I think that somebody from president’s close entourage will be appointed to this position. Jamoliddin Nouraliyev, First Deputy Finance Minister, and Davlatali Saidov, Chairman of the State Committee for Investments and State-owned Property Management, are the most probable candidates.”
According to him, president’s son Rustam Rahmon is still too young to occupy this position, while Energy and Industries Minister Gul Sherali and Qurghon Teppa Mayor Sharifkhon Samiyev have very few chances.
Nourali Davlatov added that it could not be ruled out that a person who currently occupied any inconsiderable position might be appointed to that position. “Anyway, he will be one of the boys either in terms of regional origin or in terms of loyalty to the president,” said the journalist, “Professionalism will not be the number one priority.”
Tajik political scientist Parviz Mullojonov considers that Asadullo Ghulomov was quite an important and at the same time non-ambitious figure in the Tajik government.
“Being by origin from Danghara, which is President Rahmon’s home district, Ghulomov, however, obtained his position, first of all, due to his professionalism,” said Mullojonov, “Being highly skilled engineer and industrial manager, Asadullo Ghulomov had dropped no hints of political ambitions.”
Tajik expert considers that the government is currently faced with a difficult choice – who is able to replace Asadullo Ghulomov as first deputy prime minister.
