Press Review 07/29/2016

Issues of economic development of the country, the hasty holding of the referendum on amendments to the Constitution, the problems in the education system, and the high cost of tourism are the main topics of today's press.

The official newspaper Azerbaijan published an article in which it argued that, despite the instability in the region, Azerbaijan's macroeconomic stability is ensured. Over the last 6 months of the year in the non-oil sector, there was a growth of 2.4%, and the economy of the country was invested 6.3 billion manats. All advances are taking place as a result of the policy of President Ilham Aliyev, the article says. The orders and decrees adopted during the last six months have had a positive impact on the development of the national economy.

Azadlig writes about the reasons behind the scenes of the hasty holding of the referendum. Firstly, it is the economic crisis prevailing in the country. From 26 May to 26 July, the dollar rose in price by 10 kopecks. The author, on this basis, expects that in October-November 1 dollar will be worth 1.80 kopecks. The head of state signed a series of orders to increase the term of service in the army. This proposal is in draft amendments to the law "On labor pensions". The project has already been submitted to Prime Minister Rasizade, and it includes a proposal to extend the army life.

The author considers it wrong to hold a referendum, as discontent of the law enforcement may create difficulty when suppressing discontent regarding the referendum.

Echo writes that education is a complex social system, which, according to experts, cannot be broken. "Our school is behind the program prepared for students and it concerns questions showing students’ thinking," This was said by the Chairman of the Association of Independent Teachers of Azerbaijan Malahat Murshudlu, commenting on the fact that 52% of the applicants for the II and III group of specialties could not score a minimum of 200 points. Further, the article presents figures on the basis of entrance examinations to universities.

Bizim Yol examines the situation in the field of tourism. Speaking of the resort Nabran zone, the newspaper claims that the prices are exorbitant and the services are at a low level there. The cost of a room for two people in the recreation center Malibu Resort is 50 manats. And it's only for residence. Meals cost additional 40 manats. The entrance to the room is after 14.00, and the room should be abandoned on the next day at noon. The pool and the billiards are paid. The entrance to the disco costs 5 manats. The author criticizes the conditions in the leisure center and the unjustified high prices. In the tourism sector of Azerbaijan the prices are high and the services are substandard. For this reason, people prefer to spend their holidays abroad. -0-