According to “Index of Economic Freedom 2015” published this year by the American Heritage Foundation organization, a remarkable observation is presented in the section about Armenia, “In 2014, the president of Armenia has got rid of a few well-known reformers, formed a new cabinet, which included officials that have become rich as a result of government connections, while the finance minister has long been accused of corruption by the media.”
Note that last year, in March, Tigran Sargsyan resigned and yielded “seat” of the prime minister to Hovik Abrahamyan, who formed a new government. “This is their estimation which I personally do not agree with. Who has been this reformer? In general, I do not even recall whether there has been a reformer in Armenia in these 25 years or not,” so responded Vice-Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on economic issues Michael Melkumyan, in conversation with Aravot.am, referring to the opinion of the international organization.
To our remark that perhaps, former Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan or former President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan could be considered a reformer in the history of over 25 years of independent Armenia. During his tenure, our country registered a double-digit economic growth, said Mr. Melkumyan. “We do not discuss is now, the economic findings are ranked by indexes regardless whether you’re a reformer or not. During Kocharyan’s tenure, the poverty fell, there was a double-digit growth, but saying a reformer, I am not personifying, but saying by indexes. During the times of Tigran Sargsyan or others, as you say, the effect of a reformer was not apparent.
According to Mr. Melkumyan, possibly Tigran Sargsyan’s desires in terms of the textbook or methodological fit in the mentions international structure’s approaches, but he did not have the will to carry out the wishes of the end. “Political will, let’s say, they are called a prime minister or a minister of something else, but their weight in political decision-making was almost zero.” As observed by PAP MP, not the institute of a reformer but the size of effect on political decision operated in Armenia. Michael Melkumyan reminds that Vache Gabrielyan was also among the team of the mentioned reformers. “Look, his position has been promoted, he has become a deputy prime minister. Now, how should we understand what they say? Here are another, different unwritten laws”.
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Melkumyan said that studying economics at Harvard University, for example, is not possible to apply those classic rules in Armenia. “It is necessary to be familiar with Armenia’s business life, the political aspect, consumer’s demand and trade rules. For instance, if a major supermarket says, I will sell your product, but you should not give it to my opponent. This is just an example. There is no such thing in the world. Is this Foundation aware of the types of relationship here to give a rating to us?” said Mr. Melkumyan. As observed by the parliamentarian, the government is changed, the former ones left, the others came to make reforms in good will, but, “We have understood the following that nowadays’ political government authorities’ content and peculiarities are as such that no matter how much they want to make reforms in good will, it does not work and does not give effect, if the trust in government authorities, in general, is lost. No matter how much you say, if there is no trust, the investor will not come to invest money here.”
Nelly BABAYAN
