Yesterday marked the 73rd birthday of Tajikistan’s long-serving president, Emomali Rahmon, who has led the country since 1992.  On this occasion, Asia-Plus compiled a selection of his statements made over the years — quotes that reflect the president’s worldview, values, and the principles that have shaped Tajikistan’s modern political narrative.

 

On Democracy

“Achieving the American model of democracy in Russia and other former Soviet republics within a year or two is simply impossible. It’s just a dream,” Rahmon told Euronews in 2012.

“True democracy means that no one has the right to impose their will or lifestyle on others by force,” he wrote in his article ‘A Thousand Years in One Lifetime’ in Nezavisimaya Gazeta in 1999.

 

On flattery and public praise

The president has long discouraged excessive praise and sycophancy among officials: “My daughter, you shouldn’t glorify the president — or even the district chairman,” he said during a 2014 working trip to southern Tajikistan.

“At one meeting I said — and I’ll stress it again — stop flattering! It’s all clear, everything is obvious! People come to me saying, ‘Every time you visit, they empty our pockets — for carpets, flowers, and receptions.’ I’ve said it many times before: stop this showmanship!” Rahmon emphasized during a 2012 government meeting.

 

On the people’s hardship

Rahmon has often portrayed himself as sharing in the nation’s difficulties:

“Every winter, when the energy crisis hits, I suffer with the people. It was deeply painful for me, as head of state, when newborns died during the 2008 winter due to power shortages,” he said in a 2009 meeting with the country’s creative community.

 

On cultural values

“We carry a great responsibility to ensure that modernization does not lead us toward mindless adoption of Western mass culture, which lacks moral restraint,” Rahmon warned in his article ‘Tajikistan: On the Threshold of the 21st Century’ (2000).

 

On the civil war

Reflecting on the turbulent 1990s, he once stated:

“If it weren’t for the Afghan problem, there would have been no civil war in Tajikistan,” Rahmon told Russia’s RTR television in 2001.

 

On betrayal and loyalty

Emomali Rahmon has often invoked the theme of patriotism and the cost of treason: “No nation in history has forgiven betrayal of the Motherland. Tajikistan will never forget the treacherous acts that dragged our country into bloodshed,” he declared at the Agrarian University in June 2015.

 

On abuse of power

The president has repeatedly called out corruption and misconduct among officials:

“Some law enforcement officers abuse their powers and forget their oath,” Rahmon said at a 2015 meeting of Tajikistan’s Security Council.

 

On foreign languages

“Learning Russian and English is a necessity of our time. Without these languages, the citizens of Tajikistan cannot achieve much,” Rahmon stated during a joint parliamentary session in January 2016.

 

On outward displays of religiosity

Rahmon has voiced criticism of what he calls superficial religiosity: “A small circle of women and girls see piety not in the soul but in appearance — dressing in black, thus rejecting our cultural values. They forget that God is known through the soul and heart, not through clothing, hijab, or beard,” he said in a 2017 address in Dushanbe.

 

On terrorism

“We must always remember that terrorism and terrorists cannot be divided into ‘ours’ and ‘theirs,’ good or bad. As I have often emphasized, a terrorist has no homeland, no religion, no faith, and no nation,” Rahmon warned in his annual address to parliament in December 2017.

 

On criticism and self-reflection

“We shouldn’t sing praises. That only leads to mistakes. Flattery does not benefit the state. We must expose weaknesses in governance and find ways to correct them,” he said at the opening of a new TV and radio studio in Sughd Province in 2018.

 

On the Tajik language

Rahmon often highlights linguistic and cultural pride as pillars of national identity:

“The Tajik language is the heir to the ancient Aryan tongues. Scholars have proven that Tajiks made an invaluable contribution to human civilization, and our language is among the world’s oldest,” he told intellectuals in Dushanbe in October 2019.

“Developing the scientific Tajik language is crucial — the Academy of Sciences and the Higher Attestation Commission must pay close attention to this,” he added during a 2020 meeting with scientists.

 

On corruption and wealth among officials

President Rahmon has consistently warned government employees against greed and corruption:

“I have told each of you clearly: if you hold your position just to satisfy your greed, it’s better not to work in this system. Go into business or entrepreneurship,” he said during a 2023 meeting with judges and prosecutors.

“We say the budget isn’t being fulfilled — but how can a customs officer who’s been in service less than three years own 10 to 15 houses and half a dozen luxury cars?” he asked pointedly in May 2019 at a meeting with customs and financial workers.

 

On embezzlement in construction projects

Speaking about financial crimes, Rahmon condemned theft during the construction of the Istiqlol Medical Center: “One hundred fifty-one million somonis — that’s enough to build ten modern schools.  One school costs around 15 million somonis.  The stolen money could have built one school in each of ten cities and districts,” he said during a 2019 meeting with financial and banking sector representatives.

 

On the banking sector and the economy

“The National Bank’s policy must focus on the country’s economic development. Its primary task is to provide financial support to entrepreneurs,” Rahmon said in his annual parliamentary address in December 2019.

 

On the Roghun hydropower plant

Rahmon views the Roghun Dam as a symbol of national unity and progress: “Roghun is the bright future of the Tajik people — a source of pride for every citizen of our homeland,” he declared at the launch of the plant’s second turbine in 2019.

 

On academic integrity

“Plagiarism is a disease of modern technology that affects young scholars.  More than 40 researchers have been accused of plagiarism,” Rahmon stated during a 2020 meeting with the scientific community.

 

On the education system

“We are deceiving ourselves. It is vital to review the education system and implement the necessary reforms,” he said in his address to parliament in December 2021.

 

On the “Crocus City Hall” terror attack

Responding to the tragic attack near Moscow in 2024, Rahmon underscored the importance of vigilance and moral upbringing: “The shameful and horrific event near Moscow reminds us — especially parents — to pay even greater attention to raising our children. We must protect our youth from the influence of destructive and terrifying movements and ensure that our children never tarnish the good name of the Tajik nation,” Rahmon said at the Caravan of Joy carnival in March 2024.

 

On Russia’s treatment of Tajik migrants

Tajikistan’s leader has also spoken about equality and respect for his country’s migrant workers abroad:

“We want to be treated on equal footing with other nations. Our labor migrants work there — that should be taken into account,” Rahmon told Vladimir Putin at the Russia–Central Asia summit in October 2022.

 

On the Hajj

“The Hajj has become a mandatory event — even a kind of family competition and tourism,” Rahmon remarked during a 2023 meeting with activists in Khatlon Region.

 

On National traditions and moderation

“Showiness and extravagance hinder the improvement of people’s living standards,” he warned in a 2024 meeting with public and religious figures.

“The enemies of Islam support religious extremism and sow hatred among Muslims,” Rahmon added during the same gathering.

 

On the role of officials

“When an official takes office, they must correct deficiencies — the main focus should be on education, not ceremonial greetings,” Rahmon said during the opening of a new school in Dushanbe on September 1, 2024.

 

On the importance of teachers

“Teachers must be respected. Without them, there would be no prosecutors or police officers,” the president emphasized at the same event.

 

On the role of the United Nations

At the Summit of the Future in New York in September 2024, Rahmon called for global cooperation: “It is vital to strengthen the role of the UN in resolving conflicts. I propose adopting a resolution on a decade of peacebuilding.”