Could it be? Is Azerbaijan finally becoming like Europe?

Of course not, but it did sound nice didn't it?! 

As I was reading the new issue of TIME (September 26, 2011) I came across an article titled "Irked about perks. Italians are growing tired of picking up the check for their pampered politicians" by Stephen Faris reporting from Rome.

I thought it was ironic, given the resemblance of the situation in oil rich Azerbaijan. As Azerbaijani higher echelons made of ministers, president's closest aid and their families enjoy "opulent life styles" with lavish holidays, extravagant spending, luxury homes and dachas, Azerbaijani people are fed the one very simple line- "Azerbaycan xalqin rifahi gunden gune artir" ("Azerbaijan's well- being grows day-by-day).

Italian politicians lack any evidence of sobriety, just like Azerbaijani ruling elite. Any criticism is dismissed though finally Azerbaijani authorities did at least accept the fact that there is corruption. Not that it has done anything about it except to dismiss few government employees and civil servants here and there. Did that end corruption? Of course not. Did that end or at least vaguely cover up the lavishness? Of course not!

Take Azerbaijani National Parliament for instance. Does living conditions outside of the parliament impact Azerbaijani parliament members' daily lives? Do any of them bother arguing for improving life standards of average citizens? Do they even care to begin with? We all know (yes and that includes pretty much every single international institution or representative present in the country and abroad) that Azerbaijan failed to have democratic elections in the last, what, some 20 years now. And that pretty much every single person sitting in that parliament is a useless sack of potatoes (no offense for those who actually do things).

And yet, when it comes to Italy, people protest, they are fed up, while in Azerbaijan silence of millions of lambs continues at its usual pace. Behold, you shall not speak or utter a word because unlike Italy, Azerbaijani authorities are not so keen and enthusiastic about giving up "la dolce vita".

When parks at home don't suffice

We all know by now how much Azerbaijani authorities love building parks, re-opening old ones, renovating others all either named after late President Aliyev, or have his statute. We also know that this phenomenon doesn't just exist in Azerbaijan, that there are parks like in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, carrying late President's name and his bust. 

So here is another piece of news for you, according to RFE/RL's Balkan Service, Azerbaijani government will pay approximately 2million euros for renovation of a park in Belgrade with late President's statue erected there too. Isn't this marvelous?! We should all embrace this awesome initiative and take pride in such decision! 

2 million euros?! I can't even imagine what one can do with that money at home. But once again, who cares, as long as there are monuments and busts of late President, current president and anyone from the Aliyev's family, its alright! Who cares about the rest...

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There is one in Romania too.

Azerbaijan says no to corruption?!

During Ilham Aliyev's recent visit to the regions, the president of Azerbaijan called on its people to report on any bribery and corruption related incidents directly to the Presidential Administration, local executive administration representatives (ex-coms), and other responsible institutions. 

President noted that while minimum pensions and salaries were raised over the recent years, it shouldn't and doesn't mean that its enough. 

I am saying one more time, this doesn't satisfy us. We must strive, to ensure that Azerbaijani citizens live better lives (you can read the full article here [AZ]. 

But, are these never ending promises mean that actually authorities will start tackling this problem? If it does then half of Ministers and University professors, and school teachers, and doctors and state employees will be punished. As long as of course, people report on these incidents? But to report where? Yes, the President did say Presidential Apparatus and ex- coms but aren't these very ex- coms breed corruption?! Aren't most of the heads of these ex- coms own various shady businesses, hotels, restaurants, lavish villas on the sea front and what not?! 

Oh well, will see how this actually unfolds though perhaps before calling on the people the authorities should in fact, enforce all the requirements of a law to fight corruption adopted in 2007 and ensure that all its government structures are transparent. 

For now, the only answer that comes to mind when hearing the phrases of authorities tackling corruption, is "in your wildest dreams you fools!" ("them" telling "us" of course).