Local Governments in Azerbaijan: A Long Way To Go

Abstract

Ever since Azerbaijan established the municipality system in 1999, local governments have faced many problems, including the absence of financial independence, duplication of administrative functions, and low trust on the part of the population. Despite calls to further decentralize the system, the government has made little progress while still keeping the old system of regional executive powers, which deprives the municipalities of their functions. However, the growing cost of running the public administration system, social issues, and financial problems may force the government to move forward with decentralization reforms.