A.Karimli: Constitutional referendum is aimed at the formation of dynastic power

Ilham Aliyev proposed amendments to the Constitution aimed at strengthening of authoritarianism and family power, said the  chairman of the Popular Front Party Ali Kerimli in an interview with the program Cətin Sual of Turan agency.

On July 18, the Constitutional Court   received a draft  Act in the referendum on amendments to the Constitution. The amendments provide for the introduction of the institute  of vice-presidents, including First Vice-President, to whom the powers of the President is passed  in case of incapacity. In addition, the President is entitled to dissolve the parliament.

There is no  need for such amendments to the Constitution, said Kerimli. "The Constitution already provides broad powers to the head of state, and   Azerbaijan is  super presidential republic. President  has an authority to influence other branches of government.

New amendments is an indication that Aliyev is concerned about the immediate environment -  oligarchs, having a lot of influence. However, Ilham Aliyev does not want to be dependent on the Parliament even appointed by him, and the oligarchs, whom he also appoints. Aliyev wants  that no one could prevent him in the issue of the transfer of power, even theoretically," said Kerimli.

"It turns out that the ruling team is made up of different groups, and the head of state predicts that at some point the powerful oligarchs can influence the parliament and the appointment of the Prime Minister.

Just that is why  he established the  post of the first vice-president,  so that he, and not a prime minister  be able to act  as president in case of need," said Kerimli.

Until 2002, the power of the head of state, if necessary, was to be transferred to the Speaker of Parliament. Then, Heydar Aliyev made an amendment to the Constitution, according to which the president's power was to be transferred to the Prime Minister, which simply can be assigned, not chose.  "Now, Ilham Aliyev  has decided that  it would be possible to pass power to the  first vice president, bypass the Parliament.

The second important point  is the desire  of Aliyev to get a right to dissolve parliament. He is concerned that even the loyal parliament can get out of control.  In any case, the referendum initiative itself is an indicator of anxiety Aliyev. He understands that the solution of socio-economic problems   is only an  imitation. Earlier or later, unresolved problems will cause social unrest," said Kerimli.

In the absence of the team united by ideological principles, Aliyev’s environment, united only for  profit, can get out of control.   In addition, the constitutional amendments cause a lot of questions: how many vice-presidents will be, what they will do, what will be the fate of the presidential administration and the Cabinet of Ministers?  In order to strengthen his personal power, he sacrificed the mechanism of public administration.

By removing the minimum age requirement for a presidential candidate,  it will be possible to transmit power in the long term to one of the members of Aliyev's family, said the oppositionist. Kerimli also criticized the amendment, according to which the private ownership of land may be expropriated "for social justice or the efficient use."

PPFA is going to fight against the adoption of these amendments; active participation of citizens is also required, because the authorities are going to run the country ignoring the will of the people, said Kerimli.-06D--