Media Review September 6, 2019

Ensuring the social well-being of citizens, the likelihood of price increases due to higher salaries and pensions, the reasons for the high cost of housing, and the presence or absence of the need to eliminate MP immunity in Azerbaijan are the topics of today's media.

The newspaper Azerbaijan assesses social reforms in the country, noting that the social welfare of the population is a priority for the state. In this regard, the author recalls two social packages signed by the head of state. The first social package covered 3 million people, and the annual financial need amounted to 1.6 billion manat. The second social package covered a wider category of the population, the total value of which amounted to 2.3 billion manat.

The Yeni Musavat newspaper discusses what the government plans to prevent the price increase that may arise in connection with the increase in pensions and salaries.

To ensure the increase of pensions and salaries, additional funds in the amount of nearly 1 billion manat will enter into circulation, which will increase the risk of inflation. By the way, the State Statistics Committee does not disclose real inflation figures. Inflation is not 2.7%, but according to the State Statistics Committee, it is much higher.

The Bizimyol.info website writes that owners of new buildings often incorrectly calculate the squared living space. The author laments that with such intensive construction, most people are still without housing. In the cheapest places in the capital, the cost of 1 square meter is 800 manat, while in reality 1 square. meter costs 400 manat.

But the author also cites the problems of the builders of high-rise buildings themselves, who pay 1 million each for the land under the building, its gasification, and utilities, which naturally makes the housing expensive.

The Yeni Sabah.az website discusses the likelihood of eliminating the immunity of deputies, discussing this issue with former MP Nazim Beydemirli. The author recalls that the parliament of Ukraine adopted a law according to which MP immunity will be eliminated from January 1, 2020. Beydemirli believes that the adoption of a similar law in Azerbaijan will strengthen the influence of the authorities over the deputies.

Worldwide immunity has been introduced in order to avoid dependence on government. At the same time, in Azerbaijan, about 40 MPs head state posts and engage in illegal entrepreneurship, which is contrary to the Constitution.