Every time they bring people from international institutions, treat with kebab, then receive the desired amount: H.Bagratyan

“In the period of 2009-2015 Armenia’s economy has grown by 8.5%, Georgia’s economy—by 29.6%, world economy—on average by 16.9%. Explanations by Finance Minister Aramyan were unacceptable, as only figure of the last year showed that in our country it comprises 3.2%, in Georgia—2.8%,” MP Hrant Bagratyan stated at the session of  NA Standing Committee.

In his words there is no any issue with the Statistical Service, which “is confessed by the PM and the Government as well.”

According to H.Bagratyan inventarization should be carried out in Armenia, as the snapshot in Armenia is distorted, and Stepan Mnatsakanyan, president of RA National Statistical Service (NSS), says, “We write what they provide.”

H.Bagratyan stated that NSS president mentioned a wrong figure of Euronest, as participation of SMEs in GDP comprises 27%, and Mnatsakanyan stated 58.7% in his letter. “His issue is with European institutions, every time they bring people from those international institutions, treat with kebab, and in the end they receive the amount they want to, you see.”

H.Bagratyan stated that Articles 184, 185, 186 of new Constitution enshrine that local self-government bodies should have as much budget to satisfy in solving the issues provided by the law, and if they delegate any function, they should allot funds. Upon calculations of the MP, budget of local self-government bodies comprises AMD 140 billion, from which 34 billion is allocated for land and local taxes, and 100 billion should be collected as a result of functions provided to the regional offices, which isn’t implemented. According to H.Bagratyan, economy should be decentralized, that every head of the community and governor didn’t ask for money from the Government.

According to H.Bagratyan, as a result of decentralization economic growth will reach 7-8% from 3%. He expressed discontent towards budget relocations, “You say ask greater part of the amount—75%, from Yerevan. You don’t want to change, maybe I’m right. You say fight against corruption, shouldn’t we eliminate it?”

According to Atom Janjughazyan, First Deputy Minister of Finance, figures mentioned by the Finance Minister can’t be doubtful. He assured that Armenia is considered a country of high standard, however, if H.Bagratyan has other standard, which may be applied, it may be made international and lead by that.

“An attempt to enshrine a part of income and profit taxes to community budgets had been recorded in Armenia, then it was considered not so appropriate. It may be discussed,” Janjughazyan said.

By Gayane Khachatryan