Political scientist Edgar Vardanyan attends the protest against the electricity price hike in Baghramyan Avenue. He follows the developments of the events. Aravot.am asked Mr. Vardanyan about the outcome of this protest and whether it can grow into a more full-scale campaign. In this regard, Mr. Vardanyan said that the protester may set up a new agenda, which would be more representative because a platform is created here where various active groups are holding discussions. Edgar Vardanyan believes that in order to solve specific problems, new programs should be developed for the future through setting up an agenda for the achievement of different types of rights. “All of this with the new format can create a new type of civic groups, with a new agenda.”
To the question of Aravot.am that there are no leaders in this protest action, while today, political analyst Alexander Iskandaryan has said that any movement with no leader is doomed, so whether it is possible for this movement without a leader achieve success, Mr. Vardanyan said, “We so far saw that the absence of the leader was positive, and the absence of the leader, somewhere, results in the possible sit-in for such a long time, because each one makes its own decision and as a result people voluntarily decide to stay here.” As observed by the political scientist, if there were a leader and people believed him, it would be very difficult to come out against the group.
Read also
Mr. Vardanyan believes that when “No to Plunder” initiative group abandoned the Avenue, a very small group joined them, after them, the people here become self-organized. According to Edgar Vardanyan, a representative body should be set up to develop a road map for future operations and be consistent to its course, which, according to the political scientist, is very essential. “Without it, new and major developments would hardly happen in this situation.” To our questions of whether it is possible for any political force to begin leading this movement, Mr. Vardanyan said, “I do not think so, because the political forces have realized that they are unable to take on this process. They participate in this as individuals, and in some places they are making attempts to raise the rating of their group in the public as if saying, look, people, we are strong and we are with the people.”
The political scientist also said that if this campaign reaches the institutionalization level, he does not exclude the possibility that the political forces would like to participate, but it will be peer-to-peer.” Shortly before, the participants of the protest in groups hold discussions and make suggestions. For example, in one group, it was suggested to urge the citizens at different hours during the day with leaflets saying to switch off the electricity at certain time of the day or organize a march to raise awareness among the citizens. In another group, it was suggested to single out the stories of the people affected by the violence of the police on June 23 and notify through the media one by one.
Nelly BABAYAN
