Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, has a complex political landscape that has evolved over the years. Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Azerbaijan has been a presidential republic with a strong centralized government. The president is the head of state and is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
The political system in Azerbaijan is dominated by the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), which has been in power since 1993. The party was founded by the current President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev’s father, Heydar Aliyev. The YAP has been accused of suppressing opposition voices and cracking down on civil society and media freedom.
In recent years, Azerbaijan has been embroiled in a conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but has been controlled by Armenian forces since the early 1990s. In 2020, Azerbaijan launched a military operation to retake the region, resulting in a decisive victory for Azerbaijan and the signing of a peace agreement with Armenia.
The government of Azerbaijan has been accused of human rights violations, including the detention of opposition politicians and activists, restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, and mistreatment of prisoners. The country’s judiciary has also been criticized for lacking independence and for its failure to investigate cases of corruption and other abuses of power.
Despite these challenges, Baku has made significant progress in economic development, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The city has become a hub for international business and has attracted significant foreign investment. Baku has also invested in infrastructure development, with the construction of modern skyscrapers, shopping centers, and sports facilities.
In conclusion, politics in Baku, Azerbaijan, is characterized by a strong centralized government and the dominance of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party. While the government has been criticized for human rights violations, the city has made significant progress in economic development and infrastructure. The ongoing conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh remains a significant challenge for the country’s political stability and security.