Media Review for February 4

The media discusses the increase in water and sewage tariffs, the possible consequences of the President's criticism of oligarch officials, and the situation with mine clearance in the liberated territories.

The website Redaktor.az discusses with the economist Natig Jafarli the decision of the Tariff Council of January 31 to increase the payment for water and sewerage by 100%.

The sudden increase in tariffs will exacerbate the already difficult situation of the population, with whom no one consulted. The expert notes that the tariffs could be increased by at most 20-30%, but not by 100%.

As for the increased expenses of Azersu, these are only state funds. Therefore, statements about the rise in the cost of water are not clear, Jafarli said. According to him, Azersu is only trying to close its debts at the expense of the people and the state.

The website Yenisabah.az comments on the criticism of Ilham Aliyev about the oligarch officials, sounded the other day. The most discussed question today is whether the criticized official will be able to remain in his previous position. The author believes that the authorities will try to get rid of corrupt officials who undermine the image of the authorities. Azerbaijan is on the verge of fundamental changes, where there is no place for old personnel.

The Sfera.az website discusses Armenian mine maps with expert Adalat Verdiev. Each time the enemy leaves the liberated certain territories, it must provide maps of the minefields. These are the military rules. However, almost 4 months have passed since the military operations have been completed, and the Armenian side does not even think to provide these maps.

The reason may also be the lack of systematic mining or deliberate concealment of mine maps by the Armenians and not providing them to the Azerbaijani side.--0----