Head of Russian presidential administration, Sergei Ivanov, gave an interview to the U.S. Financial Times newspaper. Among other observations, Ivanov hinted that Russia’s leadership is willing to be engaged in economic reforms: in its citizens’ life quality, ecology, transport, nevertheless, the fact that NATO is planning to deploy missiles and air defense systems around Russia, as well as to bring heavy weapons to the neighboring countries, prevents the Kremlin to be engaged in reforms.
Not only for Russia, but also for any other country’s authorities, real or fabricated “external threats” are a good pretext for failing to ensure development in political and economic life. This list of the countries, to the point, include also the Baltic States, where the situation is not too bright, however, they have an “argument” that Russia may attack them (which seems to me highly questionable).
The external threats intimidating Armenia, indeed, are quite real. However, it does not mean that we do not need to improve our lives. Perhaps, the correct organization of this life, on the contrary, will be more in compliance to those challenges. But my impression is that we are dealing with “mending” over two decades, constantly thinking that it is “still not the time” for serious reforms. (Until now, people are strongly criticizing Bagratyan’s government, who was implementing reforms during the active combat operations, but along with all the mistakes, it is clear that they were necessary). It seems to me that the blockade of Armenia and the threats incurred from Azerbaijan will be continued for many years. However, it is not a reason to sit idle.
In my opinion, one of the urgent tasks should be the “reduction” of the state machinery. As of April 1, 2014, the number of employees only in the main state agencies: ministries, Governors’ offices and so on amounted to 13 537 state servants. For example, the number of bureaucrats in Gegharkunik marz amounts to 183 people, the staff-list of the National Security Council is 93 people (I wonder what are they busy with?), the National Statistical Service – 360 employees (Is there so much work to do?) and so on. In a country with officially less than 3 million population, there is no need for having that much agencies, nor so many public servants. But as long as these employees are close and distant relatives of the ministers, governors and many other heads, then touching upon someone is a difficult task. There is also the possibility of political manipulation. “Hence, should 10 thousand families remain without work and take the pilgrim’s staff?” However, it is clear that actually more people take the same pilgrim’s staff suffered from the activities of this corrupt officials. Anyway, one can find thousands of reasons for not doing anything.
Read also
… When the time for the young people comes to marry, but they postpone this deal, the so-called “keep it in queue” for the sake of other “urgent” deals, there is a high risk that they like being on the shelf.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
