French sociologists found out why Azerbaijanis value their president

In an assessment a year after presidential elections in Azerbaijan, French research company Opinionway found that Azerbaijanis strongly endorse key actions by President Aliyev. Over 85% of survey respondents appraised his activities as "positive". PR Newswire in the article Survey by French Research Firms Shows High Marks for Azerbaijan's President Aliyev on Stability, Reforms and Development writes that more than 80% of those surveyed attribute the "stability in the country" as the "success of the activities of President Aliyev." Over 58% approve of the "strengthening of the country's defence capability and army."

"The survey clearly shows that Azerbaijanis are happy with their political leadership," said Bruno Jeanbart, Deputy CEO of Opinionway. "A year after his re-election, the perception of President Aliyev's foreign and domestic policies, on stability, reforms and regional development is very positive," he said at a press conference in Baku.

Expressing their attitude towards Aliyev's foreign policy, nearly 74% of respondents have rated it as "excellent". On the issue of "strengthening Azerbaijan's reputation in the international arena and achievements in foreign policy" nearly half of the people surveyed stated their approval.

On the domestic front too, the president fared well. 64% "have approved" his economic reforms and over 57% say the "population's welfare has gotten better, salaries, pensions and allowances have increased". 52% believe accessibility of education and healthcare has improved and 45.3 % are satisfied with the fight against corruption.

The "development of sport" also received wide-ranging support by Azerbaijanis, with 61.4% calling it a success. Azerbaijan has increasingly positioned itself on the sports map, hosting prestigious events such as Formula 1 racing, the Islamic Solidarity Games and the European Games.

Asked if Aliyev's pre-electoral promises have been fulfilled, over three-quarters of respondent said that either "most" or "all" of the promises had been fulfilled.

Additional data showed that over 72% of respondents think that the regions have been developed as a result of the State Program on Socio-Economic Development of Regions, adopted by President Aliyev, and thanks to his attention to the regions.

The Opinionway survey was based on interviews with 2,000 respondents that were randomly selected in the country in March 2019.