The current activities of former Milli Majlis (National Assembly) members and how their lives have changed since leaving parliament are matters of public interest. People are curious about the fields in which former lawmakers now work and how they have continued their careers after representing their constituents, taking part in the legislative process and appearing in public and political debate. Some say their daily lives and public contacts have also changed since their parliamentary terms ended. So, what are former MPs doing today?
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Oxu.Az contacted several of them to find out.
Yusif Bagirzade, a member of the first convocation of the Milli Majlis, said that after his parliamentary work ended, he served as a member of the Central Election Commission from 2003 to 2007:
“After that, I held various positions. I am currently continuing my work as a political commentator. I also stay in touch with former colleagues and friends, and those contacts are quite strong.”
Rufat Guliyev, a member of the parliament’s third, fourth, fifth and sixth convocations, works at Azerbaijan State University of Economics:
“I am a professor at the University of Economics and am engaged in research. I mainly advise companies. I have stayed away from my private business since then. I put my brain and mind to work. I think people can earn more that way. I am now involved in more flexible work and no longer face the risk of losing a mandate. It is true that fewer people call to check in on me, but I think that is normal too.”
Aghiya Nakhchivanli, a member of the Milli Majlis in its fourth, fifth and sixth convocations, is currently a member of the Board of the Azerbaijan Republic Council of Elders:
“I am also a member of the Dissertation Council at the Academy of Public Administration under the President and lead a seminar for candidates preparing to defend their dissertations. When I was an MP, I had to give up many things and did not have much freedom. Now I have more time. My health also prevented me from expanding my activities, so I stepped aside of my own accord. My friends still call to check in on me.”
Former MP Tahir Karimly now lives in the Ismayilli district:
“I spend most of my time in the district. I devote more time to my family, work in the yard, read and spend my days that way. Since my parliamentary work ended, the number of calls and people checking in on me has fallen considerably. I have also resigned as party chairman.”
Dilara Jabrayilova, a member of the Milli Majlis in its fifth convocation, continues to work as a school principal:
“I was a teacher when I was an MP, and I still am. I am the principal of Baku School No. 295, located in Nardaran. I was responsible for the quality of education, encouraging girls to attend school and other matters, and I fulfilled those duties. I continue that work today.”
Sona Aliyeva, a member of the Milli Majlis in its fifth convocation, said she was officially unemployed after losing her mandate:
“I am currently chair of the ‘Educated Future’ Public Union for the Development of Education. In other words, I continue my work in education as a representative of a non-governmental organization and implement projects in this area. Of course, having a formal job provides security, but there has been no unusual change in my life. The only difference is that since I lost my mandate, people no longer ask me for favors. I remain in touch with my former colleagues.”
