It’s been two days since the public discussions on the concept paper of constitutional reforms is underway. Today, when discussing the topic about “the issue of separation and balancing of the authorities in constitutional solutions”, Mr. Zeinalyan expressed a number of concerns that “the president and the prime minister of Armenia obstruct each other.” Later, after the discussion, he emphasized, “It would be good if either presidential or the prime ministerial system of government operates. The state is stronger when the elections for legislative and executive authorities are conducted at the same time.” Mr. Zeinalyan opines that currently the people are not interested in constitutional reforms; people are more interested in “how to find a business in abroad and go to work there.” Pursuant to Mr. Zeinalyan, the Constitution needs serious changes, and it can be done only through a referendum, rather than “imposing on the people.” And, according to human rights defender, this should be done by awakening the people’s confidence towards elections. And as to what picture we will have if the constitutional amendments are put to referendum, Mr. Zeinalyan thinks that simply no participation will be registered. To the question of Aravot.am about whether in this case the implementation of constitutional reform is an instruction from the top, Artak Zeinalyan responded, “There is a constitutional crisis in our country, when people quit and leave. As for the constitutional reforms, they just have nothing to do with people.”
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
