Azerbaijani leader narrows access to power

Subject

The Azerbaijani president's capture of greater powers.

Significance

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has concentrated more power in his hands through a series of constitutional changes approved in a September 26 referendum. Although democratic institutions barely function, Aliyev has removed the potential for parliament to challenge him.

Impacts

• New personal data protection rules will block media access to the financial dealings of public figures.
• The government now has formal rights to seize private property at will.
• Businesses are vulnerable to regulation to preserve 'state interests'.