Azerbaijan – the rage of the people

“The dramatically deteriorating economic situation in Azerbaijan has caused a wave of spontaneous protests which have been ongoing since 12 January. The people are protesting against price rises and demanding that the unemployment problem be resolved. The government has reacted to the protests chaotically, hoping that the protests will at least temporarily be extinguished. Thorough reforms are impossible in Azerbaijan due to the corrupt government system which is limited by clan bonds, where any changes in the system are viewed as a threat to the positions of the ruling groups. Oil prices are likely to remain low, and this will contribute to the escalation of the protests for social reasons, which translates into a higher risk of internal crisis. Dwindling financial reserves also add to the likelihood of a conflict between the main groups in the government elite within the inner circle of President Ilham Aliyev. Concern is also growing that the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh will be rekindled and that Azerbaijan will become more susceptible to pressure from Russia, which has been rebuilding its position in the Caucasus.“

Source: ‘Azerbaijan – the rage of the people‘.

23-01-2016 7.00 | Door: Stommeling Jones | Categorie: Aardrijkskunde, Losse skakels, Politiek