Autumn advance

The meeting on July 30 was devoted specifically to two issues: 1. The work done in the country to improve the efficiency of the heat and hot water supply system, the upcoming tasks to improve this area in compliance with modern standards and requirements; 2. The development prospects in aquaculture and measures to be taken in this regard.

The prime minister also recalled the presidential order "On the acceleration of reforms in energy sector of the Republic of Azerbaijan" dated May 29, 2019, according to which the Ministry of Energy is tasked to prepare a "Strategy for the long-term development of the energy sector of the Republic of Azerbaijan", and the Ministry of Economy should submit to the president within six months proposals for reform in these areas to improve the efficiency of gas and heat supply systems, reliable satisfaction of consumer needs.

The meeting with the president was designated as "associated with the socio-economic sphere." It was not tied to a specific reporting period, as is commonly practiced. For example, dedicated to the results of the six months, year, program implementation, the results of something.

The data that the president and the participants of the meeting appealed to referred to the results and first half and a year or more. But most of all the emphasis was placed on the results of the half year, which, according to the speakers, they inspire optimism on the good annual results of the socio-economic indices.

From the speech of Aliyev it followed that on the one hand he wanted to demonstrate to the success of their team, and on the other hand warns subordinates about the need to increase the growth rates of indicators, even if they do not correspond to real results, as for example in grain production.

Let's try to reflect what motivated the president while reformatting established custom: 1) to hold meetings under the leadership of the Prime Minister and under the leadership of a president with a noticeable temporal distance, or 2) hold an extended government meeting led by the head of state.

Here the following motives may appear:

1. To give the premiere the valid status, and not nominal, how Novruz Mamedov is perceived in his own homeland and abroad. At the last Interaction Meeting and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) on June 15 in Dushanbe, surrounded by the leaders of the states Mamedov did not look convincing.

2. To put part of responsibility on the premier. Aliyev often disappears with public field of vision, which can be understood due to the workload and worries that he hoisted on himself.

3. To demonstrate the activity of their team, even during the summer relaxation of the majority of citizens.

4.To demonstrate that the president keeps his hand on the pulse in the areas that represent greatest interest for citizens: stability of the financial system, welfare growth, prices, the production of products and their prices, amusement, and so on. This action can be considered as a prelude to: 1) progressive bifurcation of powers of authorities; 2) to hold an extended meeting with the participation of the Administration and the Government by end of September, when social tensions in society begin to increase due to the disappearance of cheap seasonal agricultural products and the increase in utility costs for energy carriers. Despite the figures mentioned by the president and his ministers, the prices of the essential products continue to increase, or at best do not change.

And the scanty growth of minimum pensions by 40%, or similar increase of wages are not capable today, and even tomorrow, to meet the minimum needs of ordinary or poor families. Recently, Azerbaijani emigrants from abroad have called through social networks, for struggle, and even reinforcement, with the regime and threaten to start fighting in Azerbaijan already in the coming months. Classical opposition, which has its own methodical and quite successful struggle for people's minds, did not support them. But the reinforcement argument is just part of the manifestation of discontent of the majority of the population. If to consider the reasons for holding rally, then under any circumstances, they were called upon to calm public sentiment and advance public expectations.

Quotes from the speech of President Ilham Aliyev at a meeting on July 31:

Over the six months of this year, our economy grew by 2.4 percent, and the non-oil sector - by 3.2 percent. The most gratifying indicator is associated with the non-oil industry where growth is 15.7 percent.

Over six months of this year, agriculture increased by 13 percent, mainly due to crop production, where growth was 25 percent ... Grain production increased by 40 percent" there is an increase in production of other types of products. Thus, melons - by about 40 percent, fruits - by more than 20 percent, cocoons - by 25 percent, vegetables - by 14 percent. Our trade has grown sufficiently - by more than 20 percent. Non-oil exports increased by 15 percent.

Over six months, more than $ 6 billion has been invested in the country's economy. Much of this investment is in the non-oil sector. Inflation is only 2.5 percent. This is also a good indicator. Incomes of the population increased by 6.6 percent.

At the beginning of this year, a very large social package was approved, and these social initiatives cover more than 4 million people. Very important steps were taken - the minimum wage and the minimum pension were significantly increased. First by 40 percent, second time also by 40 percent, it will be paid in September. The minimum wage is almost doubled from 130 to 250 manat. And the minimum pension was raised from 116 to 200 manat.

Our budget revenues are growing. At the same time, foreign exchange reserves are growing, which reached a record high of $ 49 billion. In parallel, we managed to significantly reduce external public debt. Over the year, our foreign debt declined by 4 percent and is at around 19 percent.

The projects implemented this year - projects, initiatives worth billions of dollars, demonstrate our intentions, our policies. They show that the citizen of Azerbaijan is at the center of our policy. Our economic power should have and has a direct impact on the social sphere. We will continue on this path. I am sure that by the end of the year all the planned tasks will be completed.