Azerbaijani opposition figure Gulu Mammadli criticized the government's socioeconomic policies. He stated that the authorities prioritize ostentatious events such as parades and shows, while the population is experiencing economic hardship.
Mammadli emphasized that citizens must prioritize meeting their basic needs.
"These people need bread, not parades. They need normal food, child care, rehabilitation for veterans, and satisfaction for the mothers of fallen heroes," the opposition figure said.
He also accused the Azerbaijani authorities of using football, military propaganda, and parades to distract attention from the country's domestic problems. Specifically, Mammadli warned of possible social upheaval due to falling oil prices and reduced gas exports, arguing that this would lead to food shortages. He also said the government was robbing citizens, turning the country into an authoritarian state, and expressed concern about the problems of veterans, pointing to cases of suicide and persecution of human rights activists.
