Turnover tax protest in Armenia’s capital (updated)

Representatives of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) have gathered for a fresh protest action outside the Government to express their anger against the turnover tax.

Under the amended legal measure, which is taking effect on February 1, the tax burden for the above type of companies has been reduced from 3.5% to 1%. But it requires submission of monthly invoices to tax authorities.

The rally is the fourth in a series of protests against the law. In a demonstration outside the Presidential Office on Thursday, a crowd of vendors gave the Government time until 11:00 am local time, Friday for revising the law; otherwise, they promised to close their shops for ten day.

No high-ranking official from either the Government or the presidential administration has so far approached the protesters.

“We are here to pursue a solution to our problem, so no need to offend anyone. We must try to settle everything peacefully. If that doesn’t work, we’ll resort to extreme steps,” an SME representative said.

11.26

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The crowd declared an open-ended hunger-strike, promising to be resolute about the decision unless the government takes specific action.

A protester, identifying himself as Artak Khachatryan called for Minister of Finance Gagik Khachatryan to step down. Several others joined him.

12:42

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Alexander Ghazaryan, Head of the Gpvernment's Department for Reception of Citizens and Discussion of Petitions, met the protesting crowd outside, promising them a meeting with the prime minister.

Some participants of the protest are now reported to be inside the Government building. 

15:27

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After a meeting with Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, the crowd split apart, agreed to gather in front of the National Assembly on Monday for a new protest.