“Mr. Khanumyan, it is interesting to know if you and the members of government knew about world-famous economist Daron Acemoglu’s book Why Nations Fail and its content,” ARF deputy Davit Ishkhanyan asked the Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Artsakh, Hayk Khanumyan, during an extraordinary session of the Artsakh parliament.
During the extraordinary session, a legislative package was discussed that defines the cases of the state disposing property belonging to citizens during martial law, as well as criminal liability for cases of violating the restrictions of the martial law regime.
Hayk Khanumyan responded, “Yes, I am very familiar with that book. If we want to judge the absolute right of property, then for me that right is one of the most important rights, but it is a limited one. This is one of the articles in our constitution that is subject to restriction in certain circumstances, including within the framework of international obligations. No one is deprived of property, except when it happens for the benefit of the public.
This right does not become limited due to good circumstances. By restricting this right, we aim to have a more positive outcome for people who still do not have housing, for example, although the law also applies to wider property relations. It does not refer only to real estate.” Davit Ishkhanyan expressed doubt whether this legislative package is intended for improvements or if it will lead to failure.
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Hayk Khanumyan answered. “The state has already failed. If 75% of the state is gone and tens of thousands are homeless, we have already failed. We must solve those people’s problems. It will be a final failure if we lose these people forever.”
Luiza Sukiasyan
