What does a European Parliament mired in corruption want from Azerbaijan?

On September 15, President Ilham Aliyev sharply criticized the European Parliament during a meeting with religious leaders, stating:

“The European Parliament is a nest of corrupt individuals. I say this with full responsibility: the European Parliament is a nest of corrupt individuals.”

It should be recalled that in December 2022, as part of an investigation conducted in Belgium, individuals linked to the European Parliament were detained on suspicion of corruption, money laundering, and participation in a criminal organization. The European Parliament itself described the incident as a “corruption scandal.” The most high-profile figure in the scandal was Eva Kaili, Vice-President of the European Parliament. Against the backdrop of the Belgian investigation, a decision to terminate her mandate as Vice-President was adopted with 625 votes.

Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly stated that the attitude toward Azerbaijan that has developed in certain European political circles is determined not by objective realities but by political approaches.

But why Azerbaijan? Why does the European Parliament target us more than other countries?

Speaking to TodayPress TV on the matter, political analyst Ali Orujov said that the President’s remarks are justified and based on facts. According to him, describing the European Parliament as a “nest of corruption and bribery” is a justified accusation:

“Unfortunately, such negative phenomena are not characteristic of the European Parliament alone. A number of Western institutions and even some media outlets have also fallen under the influence of the same corruption and moral degradation. In recent times, the biased and non-objective approach of these institutions toward Azerbaijan has already taken on a systematic character.

The main reasons for this were emphasized by the President in the same speech: Azerbaijan’s growing potential, its strengthening, and its transformation into an important actor in world politics. Azerbaijan’s development and constructive efforts, as well as its restoration of sovereignty and territorial integrity, seriously concern the European Parliament and certain political circles.”

According to the analyst, all these efforts remain unsuccessful. It is impossible to speak to Baku through the language of pressure.

“The European Parliament, which has itself come into the spotlight over allegations of corruption and bribery, has no right whatsoever to reproach others, including Azerbaijan,” A. Orujov concluded.

Giymat Mahir