Ilhama aliyeva biography of albert

Ilham Aliyev, who is to succeed his father as Azerbaijan's new president, is trying hard to shake off his playboy image.

Ilham Aliyev is trying to shake off playboy image

He has been Prime Minister since August, and a deputy chairman of the ruling party since 1999, but he is still, as he puts it, "trying to become more like" his iron-willed father, a former KGB chief who has dominated the country for more than 30 years.

What everyone remembers about the younger Aliyev is his reputed fondness for high living and the roulette table.

Five years ago, Aliyev senior abruptly ordered all casinos in Azerbaijan to be closed, as reports circulated that Ilham Aliyev was massively in debt to a shady Turkish gambling magnate.

He has clearly done well for himself as a vice-president of the state oil company since 1994. He is plump, suavely dressed, speaks fluent English and has a ready smile.

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