Vahan Babayan does not rule out that his party might join Republican Party of Armenia (video)
During the founding session of the newly-formed Reformists political party, the party’s newly elected chairman, Vahan Babayan, did not rule out that the Reformists might join the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) before the 2017 parliamentary elections. “We want to participate in the political life of the country, and most importantly, to have our contribution to the reforms. I do not rule out anything but we want to implement our own program. Time will show what strategy and tactics we shall choose in implementing our program,” said Vahan Babayan, a former member of the Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK). Asked whether they did not fear to lose voters when expressing their support for the ruling party given the negative public attitudes towards the authorities, Mr Babayan said he heard the question 48 times a day and was ready to answer it for the 49th time. The President has a high reputation in our country today and the sharp criticism in his address does not yet mean that our support for the political reforms proposed by the president and his government may tarnish our popularity,” he said. There are 73 registered parties in Armenia and the Reformists will have to wait for registration together with the other two newly-formed parties – Hamakhmbum (Consolidation) and GALA. When asked whether they could not implement their programs and ideas with another political force without setting up a new political party, Mr Babayan said ‘the political arena needs a party like theirs.’ “This congress shows that there is a need for new parties and new people. There cannot be a second opinion here," he stressed. Mr Babayan says the party’s finances come from ordinary people. “Unfortunately, political parties in our country are financed by individuals. We are against the principle and we have chosen the opposite path. This party belongs to everyone, even to those who are not affiliated with the party,” Mr Babayan said addressing the attendees. “We are not going to defame other parties, we are not going to throw mud on other forces. We shall talk only about our party,” he continued. Speaking about the party’s foreign policy, Vahan Babayan said, “I choose the Eurasian Economic Union.” He also reminded everyone of Russia’s role in our lives. “We have heard different evaluations and different opinions after the April war, but let us not forget that the Armenian-Turkish border is protected by Russian border guards and Russia has supported us in many issues.” Over 200 delegates attended the debut meeting of the party who unanimously voted for Babayan to become the party leader.
