Sharmazanyan: Maybe He Forgot How He Used to 'Lay Down on the Asphalt'

The spokesperson of the Republican Party, former MP Eduard Sharmazanyan wrote on his Facebook page: "The day before yesterday, Pashinyan delivered yet another speech in Zurich, which at first glance sounds pleasant, but is actually contradictory.

According to Pashinyan, the parliamentary elections have strengthened the achievements of democracy in Armenia. Perhaps he has forgotten how he used to 'lay down on the asphalt' and 'grab by the throat' those with opposing views.

As a result, for the first time in Armenia, there is no real opposition in parliament. The unanimous election of the Speaker of the National Assembly with 131 votes is a vivid testimony to this.

Pashinyan speaks of the legitimacy of his government and public support. However, there are numerous examples in both Armenia and various countries around the world of governments with much greater support that have squandered it in a short time.

It seems that Pashinyan's administration is moving in that direction. He talks about the anticipated 'economic revolution.' If the Republican government handed him an economy with nearly 10% economic growth, then only 4.9% economic growth is expected in 2019.

How can one achieve an economic revolution when the economy is gradually crumbling?

1. The head of state speaks of the opportunities provided by the Eurasian Union, forgetting that just 1.5 years ago he initiated the process of leaving that union.

But now the reality has changed.

2. Pashinyan wants to develop industry in Armenia without considering the mining sector as a dominant branch. Perhaps this also explains the potential closure of the Alaverdi Copper Smelter and the effective unemployment of 630 workers.

As a result, we are once again dealing not with a serious programmatic speech, but merely with good intentions or a toast. I am not at all inclined to argue that Pashinyan does not want the development of the economy. But wanting is one thing, being able is something entirely different."