Armenian MP concerned over culture budget

The budget is a mechanically adopted law, Larisa Alaverdyan, an MP of the Heritage party, told journalists.

"This budget is following in the traditions criticized 12 years ago," she added.

According to Alaverdyan, the budgeted revenues were repeatedly criticized. The budget revenues/GDP ratio does not show any upward tendency, Alaverdyan added.

Budgeted expenditures do not show any positive tendencies either. Yerevan was announced World Book Capital City in 2012, whereas financing of libraries has been reduced. Museums' budgets have been reduced as well.

"Culture funding has been increased, but due to holidays and jubilees. Another threat is that funds for spiritual development of the people with great culture are reducing," Alaverdyan said.

"Why do they call this budget a post-crisis one, while the world community is talking about a new wave of crisis," she added with surprise.