“It is good that the Prime Minister’s resignation happened now, because, first, it is the beginning of the year, and it gives a chance for implementation of a new strategy, and possibly a change in the economic development vector will happen, such opinion was expressed by the Chairman of the Republican Union of Employers of Armenia, economist Gagik Makaryan, in the conversation with Aravot.am, adding that although this resignation was a little surprise for him, however, the time for Prime Minister’s resignation has come long ago. As observed by Mr. Makaryan, the Prime Minister’s resignation at this moment is so good that Armenia may gain time to from the viewpoint of diplomatic, political and economic with regard to the European Union and Customs Union accession. “An interesting situation is created, it can raise hope associated with the European Union, and a new attitude towards us. In terms of the Customs Union, the Prime Minister’s resignation and the formation of a new cabinet will give us time not to rush to the Customs Union, which I am always saying that we should hurry. Because with regard to Russia and the conflict with Ukraine, given the deterioration of Russia’s situation and isolation by the world, there is a prospect of a slow down the process of entering CU. And the Prime Minister’s change will have an importance on it and we will take time in this pretense.” To our observation that the RPA Spokesperson Eduard Sharmazanov had said today that the Prime Minister’s resignation will not obstruct Armenia’s CU accession, and one of political figures Styopa Safaryan had said that Tigran Sargsyan’ resignation is the result of the pressure from Russia, in this case, how we can cherish a hope that we can possibly avoid joining the Customs Union, Mr. Makaryan said, “I am looking at our internal situation, there might also be outside pressures, the change of the person might be agreed with the outside, or be exposed to external opinions, but often we want to interpret like that, and to comfort us, and for some reason we respect the decition of outside forces more than our own. I think that a correct step is taken, it is good that the President had not convinced the Prime Minister to stay.” The economist, presenting several indicators, noted that the time for the Prime Minister’s resignation had come and it was inevitable. “For example, 7 % of economic growth did not happen, it was 3.5 %, migration does not fall down, the economy is not developed, corruption remains on high level, unequal competition, Armenia appeared in some obstacles with the outer world: the EU and the CU. The Prime Minister himself made major mistakes several times, once talking about the crisis, he arrogantly declared that the crisis bypassed us, then in the same way he stated that we will not join the CU, we do not have borders. He had constantly made errors, and the country’s economic situation and activeness of political parties led to the fact that this situation needs to be changed. I do not consider him a victim when people are saying ‘outside pressure and scapegoat”, he would be a victim if he were a justified Prime Minister and not be dismissed under some pressures. Since 2008, when Tigran Sargsyan was just a Prime Minister, a few months later he already made some errors. During the 6 years of activities, no economic problem representing a major risk was resolved: oligarchy grew stronger, corruption is increased, and small business is suppressed.” According to Mr. Makaryan, to improve Armenia’s economic situation, a non-partisan person must be chosen, a persistent and independent personality. As said by Gagik Makaryan, it is very important for the President to be able to keep the the scale pan in balance. “It should be a candidate who is politically neutral, and this person with its activeness, way of thinking and activity is acceptable by all parties, and not to be just from RPA and push their views forward. The candidate should be an impartial and non-partisan person, endowed with economic mind, principled and persistent. As of today, whoever the prime minister is, it will require persistence because there are so many interrelated problems now that they need to be destroyed and simplified. To justify the economic growth and society’s expectations, the new prime minister needs to demonstrate persistence.”
Nelly BABAYAN
