Opposition troika: None of 12 demands met by authorities
The three major political parties in the Armenian parliament have issued a joint statement ahead of their joint rally to be held in Yerevan on Friday, October 10. The opposition trio - Armenian National Congress (HAK), Heritage and Prosperous Armenian Party (BHK) - says none of their 12 demands presented to the government still in June has been met. “Considering the deteriorating socio- economic life in Armenia, which was also confirmed by the Armenian National Statistical Service, the International Monetary Fund in their reports the opposition forces submitted, in June 12 demands to the government urging them to take drastic measures to change the situation in the country before September 30. The opposition sought changes in a number of areas, including the pension reform, a number of sectors of the economy, laws concerning a large number of citizens, etc. The controversial law on sales tax harming small and medium-sized enterprises has, in fact, been reviewed, envisaging reduction of the tax from 3.5 to 1 percent, but at the same time adding an extra amount of paperwork. Thus, the authorities apply strict administration against small and medium-sized businesses, threatening their existence. The authorities have also neglected the opposition’s demand to amend the Electoral Code. Thus, we can state that the authorities, in fact, have fully ignored the fulfillment of the 12 points and have even failed to adequately outline measures aimed at their fulfillment in the near future, Such a response from the authorities shows that the ruling political force is not ready for a dialogue with the public and for meeting the minimum demands of the people. The acting authorities are not capable to overcome the universal system corruption and implement efficient management in order to meet the challenges faced by the country. The ruling administration has exhausted itself and the society cannot connect any prospect of the country’s development with it,” the three parties said in their statement.
