The Turkmen system is traditionally based on the blood relations of tribal groups (Lebap, Mary Tekke, Akhal Tekke, etc.). Regardless of Saparmurat Niyazov's opinion of his status over the clans, the main favoured tribe remains the traditional group around Akhal Tekke. Only a small part of the country's current political elite do not come from this group. In addition to the repeated empowerment of traditional tribal ties following the dissolution of the USSR, in the Turkmen system informal structures also play an important role in approximating the entourage of the president, who cannot always necessarily respect the interests of the majority of Akhal Tekke members.
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