Oligarch didn’t feel crisis
Blitz interview with MP Samvel Alexanyan, who was elected by the majoritarian order.
"A1+": Russia refused to hold elections through the majoritarian order, and the latest elections were held exclusively by the proportional order. Do you think it is possible to apply that model in Armenia, especially since some political parties demand that?
Samvel Alexanyan: Things are normal the way they are.
"A1+": So, are you satisfied with the 86/45 proportion?
S. A.: Yes.
"A1+": Will you run in the upcoming elections by the majoritarian order or the proportional? Will you run at all?
S. A.: If the people of our community want me to run, I will. If not, I won't.
"A1+": How will you find out who wants and who doesn't?
S. A.: I keep in touch with them on a daily basis. If they want it, I will. If not, I won't.
"A1+": How would you assess the current political state of the country? For instance, Levon Ter-Petrosyan has made an offer to collaborate with Prosperous Armenia Party. Do you think it is realistic?
S. A.: Please, don't ask me questions like that.
"A1+": How do you view the struggle between the government and the opposition?
S. A.: Please, don't ask that either.
"A1+": Fine, how would you assess the state of the economy?
S. A.: Very well, but I don't do business.
"A1+": But don't you have anything to do with Yerevan City stores?
S. A.: No, I don't. My wife is involved with that.
"A1+": Do you use the products sold at your stores?
S. A.: What do you mean?
"A1+": Do you eat the products sold at your stores that are sometimes expired, or do you prefer to purchase food from other stores?
S. A.: No, there is no such thing. That's what our competitors say because they are sad to see us succeed.
"A1+": It seems as though the first stage of the crisis is being overcome with difficulty, but now a new crisis is expected...
S. A.: There is no such thing.
"A1+": Haven't you felt the crisis?
S. A.: No, I haven't.
"A1+": Didn't the last crisis have an impact on your wife's business?
S. A.: A little, but now it's over.
"A1+": Serzh Sargsyan declares that oligarchs shouldn't be involved in politics regardless of everything. You are known as an oligarch, no matter how much you claim that you don't own Yerevan City.
S. A.: Our President is always right.
"A1+": So, are you going to be involved in politics or not?
S. A.: No, I don't do business. I am involved in politics.
"A1+": But you don't answer my questions regarding politics...
S. A.: It would be better, if I left.
Interview by Diana Markosyan
