President: "Some horrible facts emerge that a person does not even know what to think"

“In some cases, I learn about many things from media, because some issues are not reported to me, as it is not beneficial for those people to report. Therefore, when I go to regions, I try to learn about the situation from citizens, to hear about the problems concerning them. Either I go and inspect the situation there or this information must be provided from the public,” said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to local journalists in a wide interview on the outcomes of the year on December 23rd.

The head of state criticized officials: “State officials are used to giving only good reports. If you ask them, they say that everything is excellent, everything is perfect, there is no problem. When I go to regions, I talk to a head of Executive Power, I ask him what kind of problems exist, he says that everything is excellent. But it is impossible. He either does not know it or wants to cover up or I do not know what his purpose is. Therefore, the words I said to the newly appointed heads of executive powers are the most serious task, and it must be fulfilled. At the same time, there must be no arbitrariness towards citizens; they should not behave arrogantly, they should not look down on citizens, they should serve citizens, they should not hurt citizens, they should not illegally demand money from entrepreneurs for some renovation works.  

Now, I know that they demand money from entrepreneurs under the pretext of renovation. This is totally unacceptable. We do not need such renovation. They should not take bribes, vice versa, they should strive to attract investors. Sometimes, in some cases, somebody wants to come and do some work, they demand money from him instead of creating opportunities for him. The recent events have shown it. I have warned. I have told some people that if they go the wrong way, the administrative punishment will be the easiest punishment. The administrative punishment will not be enough. However, maybe, some people consider that it does not concern them. For this reason, they have taken such unacceptable steps. Actually, this is a betrayal towards the state policy. At the same time, some horrible facts emerge that a person does not even know what to think”.