Armenian newspapers extensively comment on the discussions around the concept of constitutional amendments that were launched by President Serzh Sarkisian on Thursday.
“Haykakan Zhamanak” argues that Sarkisian cleared the way for changing the Constitution by defeating his key political opponents, including the Prosperous Armenia Party, with his “program” speech at the meeting of his ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) a month ago. The paper suggests that the constitutional amendments will ensure the “continued power” of Sarkisian and his political party for another decade.
“Chorrord Ishkhanutyun” suggests that during meetings with leaders of political parties Sarkisian will “pretend” that he has no personal interest in the reform and that he is changing the Constitution “exclusively in the interest of the State”. “And representatives of the parties will pretend that they believe him and either nod approvingly or raise slight objections.”
Lragir.am regards the constitutional reform as a new stage Armenia’s political reshaping. “Many view Sarkisian’s meetings with representatives of political parties focused on the constitutional reform as a process of deciding who will be in the next parliament. Sarkisian is also trying to renew the “agreement” that was effectively dissolved at the February 12 meeting of the HHK council.”
“Hraparak” lambastes the “political redrawing” in Armenia the way Sarkisian demands it. “What is happening in the political environment of Armenia suits only Sarkisian and whatever does not suit Sarkisian simply does not take place. There is nothing to argue about here,” the paper writes, urging Armenian lawmakers to think about their voters who elected them and not to act as told by the president.
(Anush Martirosian)