Azad Gasimov

**Azad Gasimov** MP KA (b. August 31st, 1954) is a Salvanian politician and business mogul who served as the 2nd president of Salva from 2003 to 2015 and the director of the National Security Commission from 1997 to 2003. Gasimov is the founder of the Conservative Front and was the only president to serve under the party, and served as the party's chairman from 2015 to 2022. He has served as the Shadow Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs since 1 March 2023, following a minor shadow cabinet reshuffle.

Gasimov studied business administration at HSE University in Moscow and attained a PhD in Economics from the University of London. Gasimov founded the Conservative Front in 1997 following Salvanian independence from the Iranian State, promoting right-wing and populist ideals. Gasimov was the party leader from 1997 to 2015 and chairman from 2015 to 2022. Gasimov was elected to the Magizhatsti as the MP for Yashil Dara following the 1999 Yashil Dara by-election, and has been re-elected five times, holding the seat since. In 2003, Gasimov ran for the presidency of Salva and won, becoming the country's second president, and the first to be elected from the Conservative Front.

Gasimov's political career began in 1997 with the founding of the Conservative Front, a right-wing populist party that focused on promoting economic growth and national security. Under Gasimov's leadership, the party quickly gained popularity, winning its first seats in parliament in the 1999 general elections, though ultimately lost the presidency to Asiman Hajiyev. Gasimov carried the Conservative Front to two governments, securing a close minority government in the 2003 general elections and a majority government in the 2009 general election. Gasimov's governments focused on improving Salva's infrastructure, fighting terrorism, along with maintaining and strengthening ties with both the east and the west economically.

As president, Gasimov implemented a number of key reforms aimed at boosting economic growth and improving Salva's infrastructure. He lowered the national tax rate, encouraged the development of the country's mining and petroleum industries, and initiated several major construction projects, including the construction of the Caucasian Railway, a major transportation network connecting Salva with other countries in the region. Gasimov's governments also prioritized national security, working to combat terrorism and strengthen ties with other countries in the region.

Throughout his tenure as president, Gasimov maintained high rates of economic growth and stability, earning praise from both domestic and international observers. However, his government was criticized during the later years of his tenure over financial incompetence regarding the Sangachal Affair in 2013 and 2014.

Following his defeat in the 2015 general election, Gasimov stepped down as president and resigned as leader of the Conservative Front, being succeeded by Elariz Saleh on 17 July, 2015. He remained active in Salvanian politics, however, and was elected to parliament again in the 2021 and 2022 general elections. In March 2023, he was appointed as the Shadow Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, demonstrating his continued influence in Salvanian politics.

## Early life and education

Gasimov was born and raised in Sumqayit, Azerbaijan SSR and was born on 31 August, 1954. Gasimov attended and graduated school in Sumqayit until attending the HSE University in Moscow to pursue a business administration degree. Gasimov later attained a PhD in Economics from the University of London.

## Political career

After graduating from university, Gasimov worked in various businesses before entering politics. In 1997, he founded the Conservative Front, which quickly gained popularity among Salvanian voters. Gasimov's populist and right-wing views resonated with many Salvanians who felt disillusioned with the mainstream political parties at the time. Gasimov founded Stolichnaya Mediagruppa in 1992. He was the president of the company until 1999, when he was elected to the Magizhatsti as a public official.

In 1997, Gasimov was appointed as the director of the National Security Commission, a position he held until 2003. During his time in this role, Gasimov implemented various measures to combat terrorism and organized crime, including the establishment of a new counter-terrorism unit and the deployment of additional security personnel in key areas of the country.

In the 2003 general election, Gasimov again ran for the presidency of Salva and won by a narrow margin, becoming the country's second president. He led the Conservative Front to victory, securing a close minority government. As president, Gasimov oversaw the implementation of several key reforms, including the lowering of the national tax rate, the development of mining and petroleum projects, and the construction of new homes throughout the country.

In the 2009 general election, Gasimov secured a majority government, allowing for even more ambitious reforms to be implemented. Gasimov focused on improving Salva's infrastructure, promoting sustainable economic growth, and strengthening ties with both the east and the west.

Gasimov was defeated by Mirzy Amirbeyzov following the 2015 general election, and announced his concession on January 2, 2015. He continued to serve as the chairman of the Conservative Front until 2022, and currently serves as the Shadow Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.

## Political views

Gasimov's political views are generally classified as right-wing and populist, with a strong emphasis on nationalism and the protection of Salva's sovereignty. He is known for his tough stance on law and order and is a strong advocate for national security and the fight against terrorism.

Gasimov has been a vocal opponent of what he perceives as interference in Salva's internal affairs by foreign powers, particularly Iran. He has called for greater economic self-sufficiency and has emphasized the importance of protecting domestic industries from foreign competition.

In terms of social policy, Gasimov has taken a moderate approach, advocating for same-sex marriage and abortion rights, however he has expressed skepticism about the benefits of immigration, and in 2022, stated that he rejects modern "woke, identity politics".

Gasimov's economic policies are generally market-oriented, with an emphasis on reducing government regulation and promoting free trade. He called for lower taxes on businesses and individuals, arguing that this will promote economic growth and job creation. Despite his reputation as a right-wing populist, Gasimov has been known to take a pragmatic approach to policy-making, and has shown a willingness to work across party lines in pursuit of common goals.