Aliyev’s anniversary present for wife was appointment as VP – Washington Post weighs in on latest Azerbaijan “dynastic rule” development

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 27, ARMENPRESS. The Washington Post weighed in on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev appointing his wife as Vice President of the country.

“This year, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev offered his wife a special anniversary present —he appointed her first vice president”, the Washington Post said in the beginning of the article.

Amanda Erickson, author of the article, said In that position, she [Mehriban Aliyeva] will succeed her husband if he steps down. “Aliyevannounced thatMehriban Aliyeva, 52, would step into a role created last fall by constitutional referendum. In that position, she will succeed her husband if he steps down. She will also likely oversee the country's cabinet. (The constitutional amendments approved in the referendum also stretched the presidential term from five to seven years, after a 2009 referendum abolished term-limits in the former Soviet republic. And theyditched the age requirementfor president, paving the way for the Aliyevs' 19-year-old son to run), Erickson wrote.

“Mehriban Aliyevawas born into one of the country's wealthiest families, the Pashayevs. The clan controls several banks, insurance companies, construction, travel, and Azerbaijan's only Bentley dealership. Several relatives hold top government posts. She is famous (or infamous) for her love of luxury, her meticulous appearance and her stylish dress. Inleaked American diplomatic cables, diplomats suggested that Aliyevahad problems showing a "full range of facial expression" because of "substantial cosmetic surgery." They also wrote that she waspoorly informed about political issues. Opposition leaders don't think Aliyeva's talents got her the job. The Aliyevs, they say, run their country like afiefdom, getting rich off Azerbaijan's energy reserves.Now they're trying to consolidate dynastic rule, critics say. "This appointment shows disrespect to the people," Ali Kerimli, leader of one of Azerbaijan's opposition parties,told Reuters."It's the first step to the establishment of an absolute monarchy in the country”, the article said.

In conclusion, the Washington Post said “the country has also earned a reputation for repressive political tactics, curbing free expression and preventing fair elections. Just days before Aliyev announced the appointment of his wife, activists from the opposition party were detained and jailed.”