Changes in the Azerbaijan Presidential administration

3 June 2017

The Presidential Administration has over the last two decades been a source of stability and stagnation. One new appointee says that the changes "are aimed at ensuring dynamism, flexibility and optimality in the activity of the country's supreme executive body in accordance with the new situation and challenges".

The Presidential Administration is arguably the most important institution of Azerbaijan. In a presidential republic, tightly controlled from the centre, the Presidential Administration has been the source of ideology, policy and guidance since Heidar Aliyev came to power in 1994, overshadowing both the Cabinet of Ministers and the Parliament. Its head, Ramiz Mehdiyev, an octogenerian of the old school, has been its head ever since, an anchor of stability and stagnation.

Change is in the air however, and this week has probably seen more changes happening in the august body, than seen in the previous two decades. First came the announcement of various structural changes. Departments were abolished, new ones created. Some advisors and heads of departments were unceremoniously retired, and some new faces appeared. It will take some time before the dust settles, and the true extent of these changes understood. Apart from the structural and personnel changes however, another factor has now appeared. The presidential administration encompasses the teams of both the President, Ilham Aliyev, and the 1st Vice president, Mehraban Aliyeva. This has had an impact on the order of precedence within the presidential administration.

According to the official notice of the new composition of the presidential administration, it now looks like this:

Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ramiz Mehdiyev

Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jamila Abbasova

Head of the Secretariat of the First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Altay Hasanov

Assistant to the President for Agrarian Policy Issues, Department Head Azer Amiraslanov

Assistant to the President for Territorial and Organizational Issues, Department Head Zeynal Naghdaliyev

Assistant to the President for Work with Law Enforcement Bodies and Military Issues, Department Head Fuad Alasgarov

Assistant to the President for Foreign Policy Issues, Department Head Novruz Mammadov

Assistant to the President for Public and Political Issues, Department Head Ali Hasanov

Assistant to the President for Economic Issues, Department Head Ali Asadov

Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Industry Issues, Department Head Natig Amirov

Assistant to the President for Multinational Relations, Multiculturalism and Religious Issues, Department Head

Head of the Secretariat of the President, Assistant to the President Dilara Seyidzade

Press Secretary of the President Azer Gasimov

Chief of the Protocol Service of the President Elchin Baghirov

Head of the Department of Civil Service and Human Resources Issues Talat Majidov

Head of the Department of State Control Eldar Nuriyev

Head of the Department of Youth Policy and Sport Issues Yusuf Mammadaliyev

Head of the Department of Humanitarian Policy Issues

Head of the Department of Legislation and Legal Expertise Shahin Aliyev

Head of the Department for Work with Documents and Citizens' Requests Suleyman Ismayilov

Head of the Department of Strategic Research and Planning Saadat Yusifova

There has been little comment from public officials about the changes. However one of the new appointees has been quick to comment. His position is unique because he holds a dual role - as head of the recently created post of Department of Youth Policy and Sports Issue, and also Assistant to 1st Vice president Mehraban Aliyeva.

Yusuf Mammadaliyev was born on January 23, 1979 in Baku. He received his education in Azerbaijan and in 1997 joined the Foreign Service, where he held several diplomatic positions.

From January 2014 he continued his activity as an expert at the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and executive director of the Public Association İDEA.

The Azerbaijan News Agency APA interviewed Mammadaliev about his appointment. He said:

"First of all, I would like to note that the structural changes carried out under the order of the president are aimed at ensuring dynamism, flexibility and optimality in the activity of the country's supreme executive body in accordance with the new situation and challenges. Strong presidential institution is undoubtedly a necessary term for stable and sustainable governance. As you know, those appointed as assistants to the president have many years of management experience. The establishment of the Department of Youth Policy and Sport Issues under Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan is aimed at successful implementation of the reforms set up by the president and more effective fulfillment of tasks. I want once again to express my gratitude to Mr. President and state that I would do my best to justify his confidence."

Asked about his dual appointment, Yusuf Mammadaliev told APA

"Today Azerbaijan is passing through an important stage of reforms. Following the referendum held on September 26, 2016, purposeful measures have been implemented in Azerbaijan for formation of efficient and flexible governance mechanism, strengthening vertical of executive power and executive discipline and improving the economic management mechanism to ensure the effectiveness and consistency of economic reforms. The creation of the post of the first vice-president and Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva's appointment as the first vice-president are an important part of these reforms. Mehriban Aliyeva is obviously serving the state and public both as a public figure and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Her historical and disinterested services are welcomed by every citizen of Azerbaijan, foreign governments and agencies. Thus, I comprehend important obligations and responsibilities of the post of the assistant to the first vice-president."

source commonspace.eu with APA, baku and agencies

photo: The building of the presidential Administration of Azerbaijan in Baku

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Changes in the Azerbaijan Presidential administration

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Monday Commentary: “The barren rocks of Aden” and “These lands of Yemen are so ruthless”