I am under the impression that a few months ago the establishment wanted, if not to completely ban, to substantially limit oligarchs’ (so to say “businessmen’s”) entrance into parliament. They tried to “lick into shape” the National Assembly. President Serzh Sargsyan also made a respective statement about separating business from politics. However, those projects seem to have been reviewed lately. Judging from the fact that businessmen themselves have already made a statement that they want to become MPs, as well as from the claims of politicians that those oligarchs are not oligarchs at all, they are active legislators one can assume that the number of “business community” representatives will be the same, if not more, in the future parliament.
It is hard for me to say what the reason is – either businessmen’s ambitions cannot be limited, or oligarchs’ participation will guarantee the establishment’s victory – however, it is beyond doubt that an interesting and “substantial” struggle awaits us not only between parties and between opposition and establishment candidates, but also between oligarchs themselves. Of course, they will not debate which conception for the country’s development is more productive or modern. The topic of their “debate” will be absolutely different – who looks out for the people more, who stands by them and who takes care of them. Naturally, all those actions require huge investments. Therefore, in the electoral districts, where oligarchs will compete with each other, voters will be in an “advantageous” position – their roofs will be mended, their streets will asphalted and they will pay their credit debts. In a nutshell, businessmen will conduct vigorous “political” activities, in order to come to the parliament once a month within the next 5 years and push the “right” button.
Two oligarchs’ candidacies for majoritarian representation will be put forward in Gavar – one with university diploma, the other basically without any education. Manvel Badeyan said to tert.am that he and Tigran Arzakantsyan would not kill each other. I believe them – they will only try to outbribe each other. The one who will give more money will win.
ARAM ABRAHAMYAN
