New formula: “Everything to villages!”
The government-backed reforms resemble Tashir 2011 Music Awards, says New Times Party (NZhK) Leader Aram Karapetyan.
"During the four-hour ceremony, the authorities tried to persuade televiewers that there are no problems in Armenia and gave apartments to those who were in abject need of them," Aram Karapetyan told a news conference on April 4.
"The situation cannot be improved through reforming the system, radical changes are needed. Corruption risks are so high in the country that reforms cannot resolve moral or psychological problems," he said.
Regarding Armenia's domestic policy, the NZhK leader said he did not see any changes.
"The only change that I noted is the new formula proposed by the authorities. They say they are aware of the situation and are preparing for reforms. However, the reforms have remained on the paper. The actions of the current authorities remind populism and can be characterized by the formula "Everything to villages!"
Karapetyan's opponent, Republican MP Hovhannes Sahakyan said that the opposition has always criticized the authorities.
"Today the government keeps rural issues in the focus since villages face serious psychological problems. I am surprised that people living in villages go to the shop to buy eggs and greens," said Hovhannes Sahakyan adding that villagers need support.
