H. Tovmasian: Parliament enters stage of classic political struggle

During the discussion of the 2013-2017 program of the Armenian government in the National Assembly today, critical speeches of opposition deputies were interrupted by a speech of Justice Minister Hrayr Tovmasian.

H. Tovmasian exercised his right to make speeches out of turn. He said that following the parliamentary session the day before, he examined how discussions of government programs are held in other countries and he came to the conclusion that “it happens in a similar way everywhere, with everyone criticizing the government”.

“It is gratifying to see the Armenian parliament entering a classic political struggle stage, and there is deep concern in the questions voiced,” the minister said.

H. Tovmasian reminded those present about the main provisions of the government program, stressing that perhaps some figures are incorrectly written, but the government itself speaks about such mistakes.

He did not share the opinion that the authorities are doing everything in order to remain in power. “We think about having a secure Armenia in the future because the authorities and opposition are not eternal, and you should not mention the viciousness of the authorities only when you are not part of these authorities,” Hrayr Tovmasian noted.

It should be mentioned that discussion of the government program was interrupted not only by H. Tovmasian’s speech, but also by the discussion of Heritage Party-submitted draft law on amendments and additions to the Electoral Code of Armenia.