Azerbaijan in Anticipation of Promised Reforms

Baku / 13.04.18 / Turan: Circles near the government have been giving "leaks" for many months that the authorities are preparing serious reforms, the start of which will be given immediately after the elections.

And now observers are guessing about what is at stake. The most likely change is the resignation of Prime Minister Arthur Rasizadeh, who turns 83 this year. But is it possible to consider retirement a reform?

Apparently, some kind of rotation is being prepared, which will be presented to the public as reforms: they will remove several ministers and appoint new people. However, there is no need to expect changes in the policy, pessimists believe.

Indirect confirmation of this is the unfulfilled promises to hold a broad amnesty and release all political prisoners. Assurances about this were heard on the eve of Novruz, and then the presidential elections.

In this situation, not even reforms are interesting, but staff changes. Who will be removed and who will be appointed? Here are the most important questions. Analysts are eagerly awaiting a blow to the Nakhchivan clan and the strengthening of the Pashayevites.

Without changing the most odious figures, changing the image of power will be difficult and even impossible.

The "rally" arranged during the presentation of the report of the mission of international observers by the representatives of the Nakhchivan clan on April 12 is another proof of this.

The next time will show how determined the head of state is, and on whom he will bet. The first steps are possible already with the formation of a new staff - the Cabinet, which by law retires after the presidential elections. -02B-