Expectations from the Council of Europe

One of the deputies suggested that we repeatedly show scenes of devastated Syria on our television channels. This way, people can understand that geopolitical stability is above all else. We should deeply analyze the policies that brought Syria to its current state and make them a lesson for our citizens, emphasizing that security comes before everything. In short, we should not pause propaganda efforts that stress the importance of security.

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan gave an extensive televised interview on January 7 to pro-government broadcasters, a format underscoring the tightly controlled media environment in the country. Notably absent were questions addressing public dissatisfaction over recent increases in utility prices, medicines, and basic goods, as well as modest adjustments to pensions and the minimum wage announced after the New Year.

As 2024 comes to a close, Azerbaijan finds itself at the crossroads of rapid political, economic, and social changes. The year was marked by key events that highlighted the country's ambitions and challenges, ranging from geopolitical shifts to domestic discontent.

On December 18, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to several Russian media outlets. He described Georgia as a "key factor in the West's battle for the Caucasus." President Aliyev also spoke about the significant external influence of Western countries on Georgia's domestic processes, highlighting the operations of thousands of foreign-funded non-governmental organizations (NGOs). He endorsed Russia's decision to ban USAID activities.