Government does not subsidize increase in electricity costs, says Zaruhi Postanjyan (video)
The Armenian legislature today started its special sitting putting to a vote a number of bills discussed during last week’s four-day sitting. Republican lawmakers Hamlet Harutyunyan and Spartak Melikyan voted for their absent colleagues. When the National Assembly began the second reading of the 2016-18 program of the National Statistical Service, Heritage party lawmaker Zaruhi Postanjyan began to speak about the December 6 constitutional referendum. “No one in parliament spoke about the referendum. The political forces tried to turn a blind eye to the crime committed on December 6 but I feel obliged to speak about it and call attention to this problem in my speeches,” she said. The opposition lawmaker stressed that all proposals and commitments submitted by the government are ignored. "Today I went to pay utility bills and I heard our fellow citizens complaining that the electricity fees are not subsidized, though the government pledged to do it. Obviously, laws are not enacted in Armenia but what we witness is a criminal, illegal collection of funds,” she continued. “Will you say a few words about statistics?” said NA Speaker Galust Sahakyan. “I shall,” said Zaruhi Postanjyan. “Do you understand that you are violating the Rules of Procedure?” continued Mr Sahakyan, Without paying any attention to the warning, Postanjyan continued her speech. “People continue leaving the country because they cannot live…” she said. “If you have nothing to say about statistics, I am going to switch off your microphone. I am currently performing my duties and I think you do not realize where you are now,” said angered Galust Sahakyan. Though Zaruhi Postanjyan tried to end her speech, Mr Sahakyan asked the next lawmaker to ascend to the rostrum.
