Armenia’s premier sincere in his statements – Gagik Makaryan

Chairman of the Republican Union of Employers of Armenia (RUEA) Gagik Makaryan has commented on Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan’s latest statements.

In one of his statements, Armenia’s premier said that investors should be aware of equal economic conditions for all of them.

Mr Makaryan noted that Armenia’s new government is mixed in terms of both its members’ intellectual capacities and age, as well as motivation. He sees some populism in the Armenian premier’s statements, but, in a sense, considers them relevant provided this populism is within limits, with results to be produced.

“Such tasks can never be accomplished in a short period. It depends on how demanding President Serzh Sargsyan is and how willing he is to assist the process.

“Secondly, the new premier and government may seek reforms, which, however, requires time. And especially the people that own businesses and are government or parliament members are supposed to set an example and contribute to equal conditions.

“Thirdly, accomplishing such tasks requires high consciousness, political will on the part of both business circles and authorities. They should come to realize that they all must be equal before law. I consider it a serious problem of our reality. I do not think such tasks can be accomplished after a few statements. Further, Armenia’s new government is mixed in terms of both its members’ intellectual capacities and age and their motivation. Such tasks are not accomplished by a couple of ministers or by the premier alone. Business environment and equal rights involve all the sectors – taxation, customs, transport, economy, agriculture, infrastructure and so on. That is, all the government bodies must be equally involved, which, I think, is a difficult task. I think it would be advisable that the government implement its programs step by step thus gaining public confidence.

“On the other hand, populist statements may be made because of the task of inspiring hope in people. But it should be done without going beyond the limits, with results to be produced.

With respect to the Armenian premier being motivated, Mr Makaryan said:

“I think he is. Parliamentary and presidential elections will take place in four years. I think when the president states he sees the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) as leading party, the premier should not be disappointed. And I think Hovik Abrahamyan is well aware of that.

“Secondly, the premier has a wide experience in working in the Legislature and Executive and he is expected to analyze the reasons why the problems have not so far been resolved. And now that the Parliament can easily adopt the government-submitted bills, while the government itself is not a coalition any longer, I do not see any obstacles. That is, the premier is aware that there cannot any more justifications, such as ‘a poor partner’ among political forces.

“Thirdly, I think Hovik Abrahamyan can have further aspirations, and to accomplish his tasks he has to gain necessary confidence. So I think he is sincere.”

“The leaders’ role has been decisive in terms of reforms and decision-making. Some people have excellent ideas, but they are unable to put them into practice. As regards the general policy, the general strategy could remain unchanged, but problems could receive unconventional solutions.”