Media Review April 5, 2019

Expanding the scale of social reforms in the country, discussing a decree on deepening reforms in the judicial and legal system, and the possible impact of anti-Russian sanctions on Azerbaijan are the leading themes of today's media.

The newspaper Azerbaijan writes about the social package of benefits signed by the President of the country, raising the minimum wage and student scholarships. The author recalls that, on average, social benefits were increased by 100% in 14 categories and presidential pensions and scholarships were increased in 7 categories. Disability pensions in all categories and groups were revised and increased. In short, the presidential order affected nearly 600 thousand people, including 300 thousand people with disabilities.

The website Modern.az writes about the courts whose activities cause discontent among citizens. The author recalls the decree signed by the head of state on April 3 to deepen reforms in the judicial system. The author cites the comments of the MPs on the current situation in this system. Mainly the MPs positively assess this presidential decree, which, in their opinion, will lead to the creation of an independent judicial system.

The website Moderator.az discusses the possible impact of sanctions against Russia on Azerbaijan. In the near future, they will become more widespread, and a new US sanction package is being prepared against the Russian Federation.

The expert notes that Russia is a very important trade partner of Azerbaijan, which exports the majority of non-oil products to this country. For example, 90% of agricultural products are sent to Russia, so the deterioration of the situation in the Russian Federation is undesirable for Azerbaijan, as well as for Azerbaijani entrepreneurs.