THIS SYSTEM IS IMPERFECT AND FLAWED

A1Plus.am
05/05/10

Former deputy speaker of the Armenian parliament Ara Sahakian says
Armenian economy is in a mournful situation.

How do you evaluate Armenia’s economic policy given that the civilized
world has taken the path of relieving the tax burden in order to
surmount the global financial crisis while Armenia shows reverse
tendencies?

Our economy is in an unnatural state and I evaluate it to the extent
by which it affects our citizens. One can say pompous words about
our economy stressing that the Armenian pavilion was the best in
an international fair but in fact we must judge the economy by its
consequences. And the consequence is that Armenia is still a poor
and miserable country with its population seeking fortune overseas.

Armenia’s economy is in a mournful state but not for country’s heads
but for its citizens. The results of economic amendments are vivid. I
assume that Armenia has taken the course of criminal economic policy.

Is it right to take great loans in order to keep economy, especially
when the country’s external debt is already alarming?

Loans are additional financial means taken by other countries,
organizations and individuals.

But we must understand that these resources can be found inside
the country provided that we guarantee economic freedom and fair
competition. Instead of investing money abroad or spending it on
hunting, gambling and feasts they had better ensure free and safe
atmosphere for businesses inside the country.

They say loans are directed to small and medium-sized businesses but
they cannot compete with big-business oligarchies that enjoy monopoly
in the sphere.

The loan can become a menace for minor businessmen and lead them
to bankruptcy. Loan is a debt and if it is not used in the relevant
atmosphere and with the right purposes it will ruin the businessman.

Why do our businessmen prefer making investments Armenia? Do they
encounter unequal economic freedoms in Armenia or are they unconfident
of the country’s future?

How can you invest in a country where human freedoms are violated,
where you witness political tremors, where the freedom of speech is
infringed, where the state interferes with economy, private lives, etc.

Economic decisions are made by political circles in our country.

During my experience I came to the conclusion that the capital is the
cleverest, the most literate and delicate. It finds shelter in the
safest place and will never step a shady area, no matter how much
you try to eulogize it by opening Diaspora and other ministries,
organizing song and dance contests. All these show warm attitude but
cannot provide long-lasting business program.

Why do our oligarchs, affiliated with economic and powers, invest
overseas? Does it mean that the authorities are cutting their sources
of nourishment?

People are unable to calculate the consequences of their misdeeds.

Humanity has created the state as a machine not to suffice the
appetite of the country’s head, a clan, a family, but to meet common
interests. If you stand close to power you are viewed as a respectful
person in Armenia. Power testifies to your personal welfare. Such a
system is imperfect and flawed and leads us to regression with every
passing day.