By AZE.US
Azerbaijani politician Ilgar Mammadov has called on the head of parliament’s economic policy committee to explain the country’s slowing growth, rising prices and declining economic weight in the South Caucasus.
Mammadov made the remarks in a statement published on Facebook, criticizing Azer Amiraslanov, chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship.
According to Mammadov, the head of parliament’s main economic committee should publicly address several major questions facing the country.
“Why are salaries in Azerbaijan the lowest in the South Caucasus? Why are banking assets per capita several times lower than in neighboring countries? Why did Azerbaijan account for 75% to 80% of the South Caucasus economy 13 years ago, while its share has now fallen to 50% to 52%?” he asked.
The figures and regional comparisons cited by Mammadov represent his own assessment. His Facebook post did not provide the underlying sources or explain the methodology used to calculate Azerbaijan’s share of the regional economy.
Mammadov Warns of Stagflation
Mammadov argued that Azerbaijan’s full-year economic growth could end close to zero in 2026 while inflation remains above 6%.
He also pointed to what he described as widespread unemployment, saying he did not consider the country’s official labor-market statistics reliable. Mammadov cited large-scale emigration as an indirect indication of difficulties in finding work.
The combination of weak growth, inflation and unemployment, he said, suggests that Azerbaijan is entering a period of stagflation and broader economic crisis.
However, the latest official figures do not show zero growth. Azerbaijan’s gross domestic product increased by 1.2% year over year in January-August 2026, according to the State Statistical Committee.
Consumer prices rose by 5.7% over the same period compared with the first eight months of 2025. The Central Bank reported annual inflation of 5.8% in July.
The figures point to slow economic growth and persistent price pressure, but they do not, by themselves, confirm that Azerbaijan has entered an officially recognized economic crisis.
Criticism of Parliament’s Role
Mammadov also criticized a recent interview given by Amiraslanov, arguing that the committee chairman focused largely on the procedure for reviewing legislation submitted to the Milli Majlis.
According to Mammadov, lawmakers should not limit themselves to making minor revisions and approving bills proposed by the executive branch. The head of the economic policy committee, he said, should demonstrate an independent understanding of political and economic processes and participate in shaping the country’s economic strategy.
Mammadov accused some lawmakers of lacking an independent political position and said this approach effectively reduces parliament to an institution that approves decisions made elsewhere.
He also noted that Amiraslanov previously served as an assistant to the Azerbaijani president on economic policy matters.
Mammadov argued that the country’s economic slowdown and shrinking relative weight in the South Caucasus cannot be explained solely by external factors. In his view, the quality of public administration, the competence of officials and the way economic decisions are made have also contributed to Azerbaijan’s loss of regional economic ground.
AZE.US