Aghvan Vardanian: Parliamentary model to prevent reproduction of authority

A concept of constitutional reforms to eliminate the existing shortcomings has been developed in Armenia, the secretary of ARFD faction Aghvan Vardanian said in the parliament today.

“A concept was developed to eliminate the existing omissions and shortcomings by presenting proposals. In one case it is proposed to improve the current semi-presidential system, in another case – to shift to a parliamentary form of government. It will be impossible to solve all problems in case of the semi-presidential system,” A. Vardanian said.

In his opinion, it is necessary to hold discussions on the concept of reforms with the participation of various strata of society, and then the Specialized Commission on Constitutional Reforms will have to choose between the two directions.

“Some political forces believe that the country is facing numerous problems so constitutional reforms are not a priority. They propose postponing the issue’s discussion, but we take a different approach. We believe that the disastrous manifestations of the semi-presidential model in our reality are a main cause of the existing problems so a shift to the parliamentary model through drastic reforms is needed,” the deputy stated.

“We are convinced that super-concentration of power is dangerous in a country where democratic traditions are absent,” Aghvan Vardanian noted.

He stressed that a shift to the parliamentary model will create a system of checks and balances and decentralize power in the country, while executive power will be responsible to the legislative body.

Aghvan Vardanian urged the political forces and society to take an active part in discussions and prove that the parliamentary model will raise the role of society and prevent the authorities from being reproduced.