Azerbaijan President Aliyev’s Health Issues Raise Specter of Succession Crisis

Over the past decade, Azerbaijan's relative stability has rested on the foundation of President Heidar Aliyev's image of unchallenged authority. That image was seriously tarnished by the recent, public display of Aliyev's frail health. Now, members of Azerbaijan's political and intellectual elite are raising concerns about Aliyev's ability to run the country. They are also worried that lingering leadership questions could invite a new era of instability in Azerbaijan.

Aliyev's doctors attributed the president's April 21 collapse during a televised speech to a sudden drop in blood pressure. Although Aliyev has a lengthy history of health problems – including surgeries for a heart bypass, prostate condition and a hernia in recent years – the April 21 incident marked the first time that the president had faltered in public. Aliyev and his aides have tried to downplay the episode, but speculation is rife in Baku about the president's ability to handle the responsibilities of power.

Opposition newspapers have dismissed government reports that Aliyev is able to carry out his full workload. On April 22, the Hurriyet daily, citing a source familiar with the president's condition, reported that Aliyev was receiving round-the-clock care, and had been instructed not to speak or "move around much during the day."

"Heidar Aliyev's image of immortality was destroyed [on April 21]," a Hurriyet editorial said. Prior to the incident, the editorial continued, "they [the president's political backers] had managed to hide what had been taking place [Aliyev's health woes] from the public.