The Tajik president’s full title is a mouthful, and local media better get used to it

Should you find yourself reporting on Tajik politics anytime soon, you may need to take a deep breath before uttering the name of Tajikistan’s esteemed leader. This week a new law came into force that sees state-run media outlets obligated to refer to President Emomali Rahmon by his somewhat long-winded official title: “The Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon”, to be precise.

According to a report by BBC News, the leader’s title takes a full 15 seconds to scroll across the screen on TV news. There appears to be a little wriggle room for journalists desperate to get news out quickly, with “Leader of the Nation” also an acceptable title, but media outlets must conform to the new regulation in all official reports. This rule also applies to government-owned news agencies and websites.

The ruling has met with mixed reviews, with some internet users suggesting alternative titles — why not go to the next level, with “the man in the moon” or “the creator of the universe”?

For now, journalists better get ready for some repetitive strain injury.

Source: BBC News