Press Review 24/11/2016

The position of Azerbaijan in the global energy security system, the reasons for non-repayment of loans, the probability of transition to a floating exchange rate of the manat and increase in the number of suicides are the leading topics of today's press.

The Azerbaijan newspaper writes about the country's place and role in ensuring global energy security. The author claims that Azerbaijan has ensured its energy security and has become one of the guarantors of the energy security of Europe. The author speaks of transnational projects and Azerbaijan's role in them.

The website Azadliq.info writes about credit debts, which have become one of the main reasons for the closure of a number of banks, according to experts. The total amount of loans in the country is about 17-18 billion manat. Of these, 80% are dollar-denominated loans. Devaluation is a major factor in the closure of banks.

Echo has also published an article about the plight of the manat, whose artificial exchange rate is supported by the Central Bank. However, the rate actually had to fall long ago. Commercial banks buy currency for AZN 1.78, while the official exchange rate is AZN 1.7146 per USD.

In fact, the dollar rate is going to 2 manat and in the past six months there has been soft devaluation. From the standpoint of economic theory it is wrong, but in terms of social policy it is a necessary measure. The level of people’s living is low, and if the government lets it uncontrolled, there will be a disaster. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the exchange rate, according to the author.

Novoye Vremya has published an article about suicides, which have become a social problem in Azerbaijan and affect all segments of the population, irrespective of age, religion or social status. The cause of suicides is not always the economic crisis, but also the violated rights of citizens.