As opposed to the Kremlin, sole decisions are not possible in Baghramyan-26, neither yesterday, nor, especially today; undisguised dictation is not possible. As opposed to the Russian State Duma, our National Assembly cannot operate without the opposition.
The difference between Armenia’s and Russia’s political systems are due to different economic structures. Selling oil or nickel in Russia does not specifically require much effort. Any “mop” can be appointed as an oligarch (nominal owner of such venture), only to serve the highest interests of nomenclature. The main part of Armenia’s well-known opposition (except for the mining industry, which is recently developing in extremely rapid paces), however, are obliged to demonstrate some skills, because the import, trade and the implementer of such things cannot absolutely be a “mop”.
Yes, they are not Spinozas, they are playing by unfair rules, have illegal privileges, and are paying to the “top ones” and so on. However, they are not the people, whom the authorities have just placed near the oil pipe and at any time, can replace them by another person. Therefore, it seems that such cases except for the shameful history of “Bjni” passing from one oligarch to another due to political reasons have not been registered. “Armavia” is a good example of it. Random people cannot organize such a business, it’s more complicated than importing petrol and operating petrol stations, and the lack of professionalism ultimately leads to bankruptcy and failure in the given industry.
Thus, “non- government” trios or quartets cannot be formed in Russia around Potanin or Abramovich, at the same moment, these businessmen would appear there, where Mikhail Khodorkovsky has spent many years. Such “fronde” as you can see is possible in Armenia. Plus, of course, the “subjective factor”, the current government wants to solve problems, possibly avoiding the conflicts and confrontations.
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In this respect, the role of the new prime minister is “political”, of course, in the unique and Armenian sense of this word. He must balance the interests of different groups of oligarchs. In that sense, it’s hard to find a better figure than Hovik Abrahamyan, whose work can contribute to internal stability. In fact, I wrote about it back in 2008, before the appointment of Tigran Sargsyan.
Of course, balancing the interests and internal stability may seem minor and unimportant to some people. All kinds of populists will exclaim, “What about the people who had caught the pilgrim’s staff” and so on. Governmental and non-governmental officials would say the goal should be the economic development, raising people’s welfare, fighting against monopolies and corruption. And, the opposition would say that nothing will turn out from this struggle unless “this regime” has left.
In this sense, I am more “radical” than even the oppositions. I think that nothing will also turn out by replacing one group of oligarchs with another.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
