Moscow’s hand or signal about problems

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-We often see in social networks, media articles of Azerbaijanis living abroad, especially successful in business, about the political situation in Azerbaijan. What did cause the increase in their interest in the political situation in Azerbaijan?

 -If you pay attention, you can see that in many countries of the world, businesspersons are joining in political activities in order to come to government. Experience shows that in “free” or “partially free” countries these steps led to successful political results. However, in “non-free” countries there is no such a successful example and cannot be. In “non-free” countries, it is inappropriate to talk about the positive result of the show will of voters, since the mechanisms governing such a will are completely under the control of the authorities. The involvement of businesspersons in politics in such conditions can create a great risk for themselves. Either they do not realize this risk, or some special extraneous will pushes them to this risk.

In recent years, there has been an increase in political activity in the post-Soviet space. The negative impact on the Russian economy of the sanctions applied by the United States against Russia is growing. This factor is also being followed with concern in countries neighboring Russia. In particular, in the South Caucasus, where other states except Azerbaijan, embarked on the path of radical political changes, entering a new stage. These states are taking certain steps to reduce Russian influence. It is with this factor that the interest of Azerbaijanis living in different parts of the world in political processes in our country is connected.

- Why do these articles appear now? Is it possible that Azerbaijan is going through some special period?

-First, it should be noted that there is nothing new in such articles. The country's opposition and independent civil society years ago made more systematic and comprehensive proposals. However, the authorities did not pay attention to these proposals. They did not intend to undertake any serious political reforms.

Now the country has begun the process of updating the managerial staff. The authorities are trying to take certain measures to reduce tension in society. This stimulates the entry of new people into politics. The visibility of the dependence of the Azerbaijani government on the Russian one sometimes inspires those who live there and interacts closely with the Russian authorities, encourages them to engage more decisively in political activities in Azerbaijan. They have the impression that close ties with official Moscow give them additional benefits.

-What is the truth in what these people write? Can we talk about the sincerity of their intentions?

-Of course, there are many positive aspects in their articles. The situation in our country is very complicated and controversial. People are tired of the existing management system. In relations between the state and citizens, there is a striking tension. To overcome this situation, there is a need for large-scale fundamental changes. The country's solution of socio-political, legal problems must go through thorough reforms. It is not possible to achieve serious results through cosmetic changes. Everyone understands the importance of democratic elections in the formation of power. We must pay attention not to who is how sincere, but to their capabilities and resources.

In the current situation, we must assess how positive changes are possible in the country. In my opinion, such proposals put forward from abroad from a theoretical point of view, although they can be positive, to realize them from a practical point of view will depend on the activity of internal political forces and society.

 -Specifically, the subject of their wide discussion was written by an entrepreneur living in Russia, Farhad Ahmedov. The pro-government media even attacked him, showered answers to his article. What annoys the authorities in the writing by Farhad Ahmedov (Mubariz Mansimov periodically writes)?

- By and large, all anti-democratic governments hate criticism. They cannot digest even the most constructive criticism. They want to hear only praise. As for the criticism of the named businessperson, there are other factors disturbing the authorities. First of all, his activities in Russia, where more than a million Azerbaijanis live. Their influence on our country has always been high. In addition, most active people believe that Azerbaijan is completely under the political influence of Russia, which has more opportunities to make changes here. Sometimes influential compatriots living in Russia, relying on this factor, behave somewhat familiarly.

In addition, a wide audience seriously discusses such appeals, spread on behalf of those who have earned their wealth and name because of successful entrepreneurial activity. In the current sensitive situation, the authorities consider such calls and discussions dangerous for themselves.

- However, it is a fact that usually in Azerbaijan during special periods, mainly on the eve of parliamentary, presidential elections, our well-known foreign compatriots begin to appear on the media on the agenda. For example, we periodically come across the name of Ilham Rahimov. In 2013, on the eve of the presidential election, the events surrounding Rustam Ibrahimbekov; and now Farhad Ahmedov. There are those who believe that in all this there is an external hand, specifically calling Russia. In your opinion, how much of what is said is based on?

-Nobody denies political claims and Russia's special interest in the entire post-Soviet space and especially in the South Caucasus. Official Moscow even in its foreign policy doctrine uses the concept of “near abroad” with respect to the post-Soviet republics. In addition, close political cooperation takes place in the CIS. The possibilities of military-political influence of Russia on its close neighbors are also quite strong. Sometimes it does not even abhor interference in the internal affairs of these countries. As for the specific activity of these persons on the eve of the elections, we have no reason to say that this is done at the request of the Russian authorities. At the state level, we are seeing the warmest relations between Russia and Azerbaijan.

-However, even if there are doubts about the purpose of these people, they have written a lot of real. In your opinion, it would not be better to discuss what has been criticized, proposals, roadmaps, to draw a lesson from what you have heard, which means that this will leave no voids for criticism, and for external influence?

- All the same, the authorities put their interests first - they are above the public and state interests. In matters relating to corporate interests, categorically do not make concessions and do not even think. In matters not crucial, we sometimes witness a different approach. By its first reaction, the authorities try to demonstrate indifference, although subsequently they take into account certain foreign influence, criticism, and proposals. In any case, does not want to seem accountable, demonstrates its closeness to consensus. By demonstrating this approach, authorities want to get ahead of society. However, the country has headed towards new political processes. Social networks broke through the advocacy blockade. The time is not far off when the authorities will face a new social wave. Power, by its opposition to innovation and change, can harm itself.