The subject of “Aravot” online “Face to Face” program is discussed by the National Assembly MP, also Chairwoman of Social Democrat Hnchak Party, Lyudmila Sargsyan, and NA PAP faction Secretary Vahe Enfiajyan.
Aram Abrahamyan – There is such a point of view that if you are against Serzh Sargsyan then you should be against the Constitution, and if you are in favor of Serzh Sargsyan then you should say ‘yes’ to the Constitution, in other words, the political field, according to some of your colleagues, is divided into two parts. Do you agree?
Vahe Enfiajyan – Every opinion should have its justification, and at the same time, if we are talking about a civilized country and, of course, about similar Constitution, we should be tolerant towards opinions regardless of which political views representative is expressing the opinion. In this case, also the representatives of the “No” initiative, no matter what thoughts they formulate, and those political figures and the citizens who share the opinion regarding the constitutional amendments, they should be tolerant towards each other. Ultimately, the country should have the elections and the referendum, which will be logical and acceptable to the international community too. I also give much importance to this because it is the reputation of our country. At the same time, we understand that this Constitution model more clearly outlines the 3 poles: president-government-National Assembly, and the reduction of the main powers is taking place on the account of the president’s institute. Numerous concerns and statements are voiced on this issue that the president’s institute with excessively powers, generally, contains pretty much great risks. In general, if we take the global experience, lack of democracy is more frequently observed in presidential countries.
A.A. – If you do not join the “No” camp, then you’re in favor of Serzh Sargsyan. Do you agree?
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Lyudmila Sargsyan – Of course, not, it is an extreme formulation. You can be against Serzh Sargsyan but not against the future of Armenia, you should be in favor of Armenia’s future. Now, no matter it is said that this draft of constitutional amendments is not in demand by the people, however, the process is going towards the referendum, a part of the population is well aware that it is not due to the Constitutional amendments that will improve his life, but, nevertheless, we cannot but admit that the elections were rigged by the 1995 Constitution and the 2005 Constitutional amendments.
In other words, the reproduction of the government is not due to the Constitution, the government has always had the chance to be reproduced. Each government pursues this objective and to blame that the Republican Party wants to be reproduced, I think it is not so objective, it is another question as to what extent we are pleased with it. And finally, I think that the government poles are separated and the government will no longer be centered, I consider this already positive because we have seen the results of the centered government: rigged elections, arrests, violence…
If all of this was taking place in the presidential system of governance, maybe we should try the parliamentary system of governance, maybe something will change here? Finally, it is a fact that each Constitution is put to action when the government demonstrates a political will, now, if we hope that this Constitution is not for today then it will work for the future. Maybe this new Constitution is not in line with today’s realities, but we should live in the future too and we should look at what future our young generation will have. I am sure that the parliamentary system of governance, no matter what, especially if it is already visible that the majority electoral system is eliminated, then it is already positive.
Prepared by Aram ABRAHAMYAN,
“Aravot” daily
