Hovik Abrahamyan premier: no serious departure from government’s programs – MP

In an interview with Tert.am, Head of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) parliamentary group Galust Sahakyan noted that the appointment of Hovik Abrahakyan as Armenia's premier does not imply any serious departure from the previous government’s programs.

Mr Sahakyan, what should public expectations about the new premier be when the president’s order does not imply any serious departure from the previous government’s programs?

Of course, there will not be any serious departures from the programs. But I should note that the task is to develop methods, with earlier opportunities to be afforded in terms of both economy and improvement of the population’s living conditions.

So was Hovik Abrahamyan acceptable to all the sides?

Hovik Abrahamyan’s character and experience is such that he seeks to resolve any problem and organizes meetings with this end in view. This enables him to involve the interested parties. That is, larger-scale discussions can be organized.

What is the four non-coalition’s fate after Armenia has a new premier?

The four forces’ only task was the government’s resignation. After the government’s resignation, they cannot yet draft their agenda. I think they have meetings during these days as well.

Who’s going to replace Hovik Abrahamyan as parliament speaker?

The 131 MPs can nominate a candidate. Any MP can also run for the post of parliament speaker. They have to decide and the RPA will discuss. It has not discussed the issue today.

Your name is being discussed.

I do not feel very good being discussed. I have not received any proposal. Nor has the RPA discussed the issue.

Is Hovik Abrahamyan’s appointment as Armenia’s premier a loss for the parliament?

Of course, it is a loss. He was shrewd and could keep the political arena as controllable as possible. On the other hand, it is of benefit to the government. He was Armenia’s vice-premier and knows Armenia very well.

What about possible purges?

I do not think so.

Hovik Abrahakyan will be allowed to feel free in his personnel policy.

I think Hovik Abrahamyan must be able to implement the planned programs as soon as possible. And the main instrument for that is working personnel. I think the premier has to form a team. And if any of the ministers is not re-appointed, it does not mean they will remain unemployed.

With respect to the ruling coalition. The Rule of Law party does not refute the reports it may not form part of Armenia’s ruling coalition. Can the RPA form a government without a coalition?

I have not seen such a statement, but the RPA’s principle has been as follows since 1999: uniting political forces and involving them in state construction. The rest depends on political forces. As regards problems, the RPA has 70 MPs. But we also think that more efficient reforms can be implemented in other forces are involved.

Hovik Abrahamyan has stated consultations with the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Dashnaksutyun (ARF-D) and Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) going on. But the PAP has stated it is not going to join the coalition. Are they avoiding the responsibility?

The PAP stated yesterday it would not join the coalition. But it does not mean that we have quarreled with the PAP and will not discuss any questions with it.

Some believe that Hovik Abrahamyan’s appointment as Armenia’s premier will reduce parliamentary criticism against the government.
I think criticism should not be avoided. We are the first critics and we are being criticized. Debates are natural in parliament.