REAL party chairman Natig Jafarli has sharply criticized the long-standing political strategy of the Azerbaijani Popular Front Party (AXCP), arguing that years of confrontational tactics weakened the broader opposition field and contributed to the party’s current crisis following the arrest of its leader, Ali Karimli.
Jafarli, writing on his Facebook page, said that if authorities are unable to substantiate the charges brought against Karimli, he should be released “as soon as possible.” At the same time, he emphasized that the difficulties AXCP faces today stem from “many years of strategic and tactical mistakes.”
According to Jafarli, AXCP’s biggest miscalculation was its effort to present itself as the country’s sole legitimate opposition force, often at the expense of other political movements. “AXCP believed that discrediting other opposition parties would strengthen its own position. In reality, it weakened the entire political arena,” he wrote.
“By tearing down the protective walls, AXCP made itself more vulnerable”
Jafarli argued that in a political environment defined by pressure and restrictions, every opposition party serves as a buffer. When these “walls” are destroyed, he added, the first to feel the consequences is the party that weakened them.
He pointed to AXCP’s long-running conflict with Musavat, its attacks on newly emerging political actors after 2010, and its sustained attempts to delegitimize the REAL movement – including during and after the arrest of REAL co-founder Ilgar Mammadov.
“AXCP spent years undermining trust in every other opposition force. Today, the result is visible: society is tired, the opposition is fragmented, and even in a country with serious social and economic problems, public political mobilization remains extremely low,” he noted.
Muted reaction to Karimli’s arrest reflects a deeper problem, Jafarli says
Jafarli pointed out that despite the scale of allegations, Ali Karimli’s detention has not generated significant public protest or strong reactions from foreign governments.
“This is not only the result of state pressure. It is also a direct consequence of AXCP’s failed strategy,” he said.
Authorities must provide proof or release Karimli
Despite his criticisms, Jafarli stressed that the government bears full responsibility for presenting solid evidence to support its claims.
“If there are no hard facts, Karimli must be released without delay,” he wrote.
He added that even if allegations of “secret contacts” or political coordination between Karimli and former officials were eventually confirmed, such actions would carry political, not criminal responsibility.
Jafarli calls for an end to the culture of political hostility
The REAL chairman concluded by urging AXCP to abandon its long-standing practice of attacking opponents through public insults and delegitimization.
“This approach has failed. A political movement cannot strengthen itself by destroying everyone around it,” he said.
