RA former Prime Minister Hrant Bagratyan was the reporter of this theme for the round table.
German “Frederic Naumann” foundation and Armenian “Solidarity” center arranged a discussion on this theme in “Congress” hotel yesterday. RA former prime minister, representing the current realities in the economic sector, drew parallels between the current situation and the situation which was 10 years ago, noting that “if our society was avoiding of total equality in the beginning of 90’s, now, in 2006, it avoids of total inequality.” H.Bagratyan also gave a rhetorical question: who did need in having a market economy, if different spheres of economy belong to several families. «If the most wealthy 400 families in the U.S. own 10% of that country\’s gross outlet, and 40 families in RF own its 16 %, 44 families in Armenia owns its 55%. Two families of Armenia own 12% of gross outlet»,- RA former PM noted and added that it exerts its influence on the whole system of governance. In his opinion if the economy concentration continues, those several families will be similar in state, and the necessity of state will disappear. In H.Bagratyan\’s words, there is no culture of management, holding elections in the RA: «It isn\’t allowed to own bank and hold the position of CB deputy governor at the same, or owning hospitals and lead the ministry of healthcare at the same time. It isn\’t allowed to rule a sphere the 35% of which belongs to the same ruler». Mr. Hrant Bagratyan also told that there are 9 businessmen parliamentarians in the NA who are engaged in vodka production and considered natural that they would never agree to raise the vodka excise. He is sure that business must be far from the state governance, but nowadays just with the help of business people become oligarchs, then parliamentarians and pose obstacles for the economic reforms.
Mr. Bagratyan spoke about the elections, too and told that our oligarchs have spent on the elections only 8% of unpaid taxes. He is sure that total frauds haven\’t been committed during the last NA elections. In h, Bagratyan\’s words, the authority parties got more votes because for the first time in
H.Bagratyan also spoke about our opposition and about joint candidacy, saying that he didn\’t understand what the opposition wants.
«Six politicians declared about their nomination in the presidential elections. Knowing them that they will work only two weeks. They should organize an interim election to find out whether the authority impedes them».