“168 Zham” sees ulterior motives behind the Orinats Yerkir party’s decision to pull out of the government, suggesting that it will continue to secretly collaborate with President Serzh Sarkisian and seek to steal votes from the genuine opposition. The paper finds the official explanation for the move unconvincing and disingenuous.
“Zhamanak” says Orinats Yerkir itself is of little interest to political actors and observers at present. The paper says that changes in the party’s status have always happened during important phases of the political life in Armenia. It is wondering what will follow the party’s latest withdrawal from the government.
“It is evident that there will be political regroupings,” “Hayots Ashkhar” comments on the subject. The paper says it will be interesting to see how Orinats Yerkir will be treated by other opposition forces holding seats in the Armenian parliament. It does not expect a warm reception. “It is not hard to guess that both the HAK [of Levon Ter-Petrosian] and [Gagik Tsarukian’s] BHK will keep a certain distance. They may not rush to cooperate with Orinats Yerkir.” In any case, concludes the paper, the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) will retain its parliamentary majority and even seek to tighten its grip on the National Assembly.
“Chorrord Ishkhanutyun” comments on the Armenian authorities’ determination to continue their controversial pension reform. The pro-opposition daily claims that the purpose of the reform has nothing to do with the welfare of future pensioners. The government is simply keen to get more budgetary revenue in the form of extra social security contributions, it says. “We are talking about an estimated $70 million to $80 million annually,” the paper adds.
(Tigran Avetisian)
“Zhamanak” says Orinats Yerkir itself is of little interest to political actors and observers at present. The paper says that changes in the party’s status have always happened during important phases of the political life in Armenia. It is wondering what will follow the party’s latest withdrawal from the government.
“It is evident that there will be political regroupings,” “Hayots Ashkhar” comments on the subject. The paper says it will be interesting to see how Orinats Yerkir will be treated by other opposition forces holding seats in the Armenian parliament. It does not expect a warm reception. “It is not hard to guess that both the HAK [of Levon Ter-Petrosian] and [Gagik Tsarukian’s] BHK will keep a certain distance. They may not rush to cooperate with Orinats Yerkir.” In any case, concludes the paper, the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) will retain its parliamentary majority and even seek to tighten its grip on the National Assembly.
“Chorrord Ishkhanutyun” comments on the Armenian authorities’ determination to continue their controversial pension reform. The pro-opposition daily claims that the purpose of the reform has nothing to do with the welfare of future pensioners. The government is simply keen to get more budgetary revenue in the form of extra social security contributions, it says. “We are talking about an estimated $70 million to $80 million annually,” the paper adds.
(Tigran Avetisian)