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SECOND CHANCE: PM SARGSYAN'S SECOND TERM EXPECTED TO BE MET WITH "MORE ENTHUSIASM" BUT OPPOSITION SKEPTICAL
Photolure
By GOHAR ABRAHAMYAN
ArmeniaNow reporter
Opposition forces are criticizing the re-appointment of Tigran Sargsyan
as Prime Minister, saying that a second term - following five years
of repeated criticism of his policies - does not promise change.
Despite the fact that Premier Sargsyan and the cabinet under his
leadership have been criticized all along for low economic and social
indexes, as well as an inefficient fight against corruption, the
ruling Republicans are convinced that the Sargsyan-led government
has managed to solve its fundamental issues and will do better in
the future to show higher indexes.
During the March 18 meeting with the press President Serzh Sargsyan
(no relation) said that the government had fulfilled its mission,
which was to ensure a minimum of 7 percent economic growth and a
raise in salaries higher than the cost of living increase.
"I am not saying 7.2 percent is a big achievement, but I repeat once
again, that everything is relative. The growth of average salary in
Armenia has surpassed the price hike. What moral right do I have to
call that government and tell them to resign? They have achieved what
they had set out to," said the president.
After the RPA session, party spokesman Eduard Sharmazanov told
the press that although "the government is not perfect, just like
any other government in the world, RPA is hopeful that with more
enthusiasm and greater experience Tigran Sargsyan will succeed in
securing higher indexes."
Former prime minister, Azatutyun party leader Hrant Bagratayan, in
this reference, wrote on Thursday in his Facebook page: "A person is
reappointed during whose tenure the economy of Armenia remained the
same rather than doubling its growth in five years."
As for the 7.2 percent growth, Bagratyan offers a substantial analysis
and draws a conclusion that it is a "bluff" and the figures exist
only on paper.
Heritage member Stepan Safaryan told ArmeniaNow that he had no other
expectations related to the prime minister's appointment.
"I can say without a doubt that not only no essential political
change should be expected, but nothing is going to change beyond the
cabinet portfolios. By turning down Raffi Hovannisian's suggestions,
(President) Sargsyan demonstrated his unwillingness to share the
power with people, nor will he change his policy," says Safaryan.
Now that the prime minister has been appointed, attention turns
to cabinet members. The premier is supposed to appoint ministers
within twenty days, which comes after the May-5 municipal elections
in Yerevan.
According to Haykakan Zhamanak oppositional newspaper, Gagik Tsarukyan,
leader of Prosperous Armenia party (PAP) which has declared itself an
alternative force, who has repeatedly criticized the current cabinet,
on Wednesday met the acting premier, and negotiations were held around
the new government. There are speculations among pro-establishment
circles that RPA and PAP are, reportedly, talking over forming a
coalition; the newspaper claims that PAP is willing to enter the
coalition in exchange for five ministerial portfolios, while RPA is
ready to concede three or four only.
From: A. Papazian
Photolure
By GOHAR ABRAHAMYAN
ArmeniaNow reporter
Opposition forces are criticizing the re-appointment of Tigran Sargsyan
as Prime Minister, saying that a second term - following five years
of repeated criticism of his policies - does not promise change.
Despite the fact that Premier Sargsyan and the cabinet under his
leadership have been criticized all along for low economic and social
indexes, as well as an inefficient fight against corruption, the
ruling Republicans are convinced that the Sargsyan-led government
has managed to solve its fundamental issues and will do better in
the future to show higher indexes.
During the March 18 meeting with the press President Serzh Sargsyan
(no relation) said that the government had fulfilled its mission,
which was to ensure a minimum of 7 percent economic growth and a
raise in salaries higher than the cost of living increase.
"I am not saying 7.2 percent is a big achievement, but I repeat once
again, that everything is relative. The growth of average salary in
Armenia has surpassed the price hike. What moral right do I have to
call that government and tell them to resign? They have achieved what
they had set out to," said the president.
After the RPA session, party spokesman Eduard Sharmazanov told
the press that although "the government is not perfect, just like
any other government in the world, RPA is hopeful that with more
enthusiasm and greater experience Tigran Sargsyan will succeed in
securing higher indexes."
Former prime minister, Azatutyun party leader Hrant Bagratayan, in
this reference, wrote on Thursday in his Facebook page: "A person is
reappointed during whose tenure the economy of Armenia remained the
same rather than doubling its growth in five years."
As for the 7.2 percent growth, Bagratyan offers a substantial analysis
and draws a conclusion that it is a "bluff" and the figures exist
only on paper.
Heritage member Stepan Safaryan told ArmeniaNow that he had no other
expectations related to the prime minister's appointment.
"I can say without a doubt that not only no essential political
change should be expected, but nothing is going to change beyond the
cabinet portfolios. By turning down Raffi Hovannisian's suggestions,
(President) Sargsyan demonstrated his unwillingness to share the
power with people, nor will he change his policy," says Safaryan.
Now that the prime minister has been appointed, attention turns
to cabinet members. The premier is supposed to appoint ministers
within twenty days, which comes after the May-5 municipal elections
in Yerevan.
According to Haykakan Zhamanak oppositional newspaper, Gagik Tsarukyan,
leader of Prosperous Armenia party (PAP) which has declared itself an
alternative force, who has repeatedly criticized the current cabinet,
on Wednesday met the acting premier, and negotiations were held around
the new government. There are speculations among pro-establishment
circles that RPA and PAP are, reportedly, talking over forming a
coalition; the newspaper claims that PAP is willing to enter the
coalition in exchange for five ministerial portfolios, while RPA is
ready to concede three or four only.
From: A. Papazian