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ARMENIAN EX-FM CRITICAL OF GOVERNMENT'S ECONOMIC POLICY
tert.am
25.10.12
On his Facebook page, Armenia's ex-FM, MP of the Prosperous Armenia
Party (PAP) Vartan Oskanian once again criticized the Armenian
government in the context of the bill on minimum monthly wages.
By 65 to seven, with 25 abstentions, Armenia's parliament approved
in Thursday the bill on the minimum monthly wages in its first reading.
The bill envisages an increase in the minimum monthly wages from AMD
32,500 (about $81) up to AMD 35,000 (about $89).
Oskanian proposes four steps the government should take.
Naturally, the PAP parliamentary group abstained from voting for
the reason that even this small increase can be of benefit to many
citizens. In its 5-year program the government promises to double
the minimum monthly wages. It is easy to see when the minimum monthly
wages will reach AMD 65,000, Oskanian writes.
The debate and further voting show the reality: despite the fact
that the government's previous 5-year program failed, it does not
show any will to reform its economic policy.
Evidence thereof is not only the attempt to raise the minimum monthly
wages by only AMD 2,500 (about $6), but also the serious discussions
of amendments to Armenia's tax law, which envisage a rise in income
tax from 20 up to 30 percent. Moreover, the government rejects the
bill proposed by the PAP and other opposition forces. However, if
approved the bills would stimulate facilitate Armenia's economy.
Oskanian remains of the opinion that the Armenian government's program
is the main cause of the current economic situation in Armenia.
First, the government must relinquish its objectives, such as curbing
inflation at any cost and executing the budget. The government must
focus on ensuring economic growth, creation of jobs and raising the
living standards.
Secondly, the government should direct funds to stimulate the demand
rather than supply, which is the only means of facilitating economic
growth.
Thirdly, the current economic situation necessitates the government's
implementing an expansive credit and fiscal policy rather than a
moderate policy, which was implemented in previous years.
Finally, it is time for the government to consider the criticism voiced
at the highest level and be determined to implement radical reforms -
first of all in tax administration - to lead the country out of the
grave economic situation, Oskanian writes.
tert.am
25.10.12
On his Facebook page, Armenia's ex-FM, MP of the Prosperous Armenia
Party (PAP) Vartan Oskanian once again criticized the Armenian
government in the context of the bill on minimum monthly wages.
By 65 to seven, with 25 abstentions, Armenia's parliament approved
in Thursday the bill on the minimum monthly wages in its first reading.
The bill envisages an increase in the minimum monthly wages from AMD
32,500 (about $81) up to AMD 35,000 (about $89).
Oskanian proposes four steps the government should take.
Naturally, the PAP parliamentary group abstained from voting for
the reason that even this small increase can be of benefit to many
citizens. In its 5-year program the government promises to double
the minimum monthly wages. It is easy to see when the minimum monthly
wages will reach AMD 65,000, Oskanian writes.
The debate and further voting show the reality: despite the fact
that the government's previous 5-year program failed, it does not
show any will to reform its economic policy.
Evidence thereof is not only the attempt to raise the minimum monthly
wages by only AMD 2,500 (about $6), but also the serious discussions
of amendments to Armenia's tax law, which envisage a rise in income
tax from 20 up to 30 percent. Moreover, the government rejects the
bill proposed by the PAP and other opposition forces. However, if
approved the bills would stimulate facilitate Armenia's economy.
Oskanian remains of the opinion that the Armenian government's program
is the main cause of the current economic situation in Armenia.
First, the government must relinquish its objectives, such as curbing
inflation at any cost and executing the budget. The government must
focus on ensuring economic growth, creation of jobs and raising the
living standards.
Secondly, the government should direct funds to stimulate the demand
rather than supply, which is the only means of facilitating economic
growth.
Thirdly, the current economic situation necessitates the government's
implementing an expansive credit and fiscal policy rather than a
moderate policy, which was implemented in previous years.
Finally, it is time for the government to consider the criticism voiced
at the highest level and be determined to implement radical reforms -
first of all in tax administration - to lead the country out of the
grave economic situation, Oskanian writes.