I Have Decided to Suspend My Membership in the Republican Party: Arpine Hovhannisyan

The former Vice President of the National Assembly, Arpine Hovhannisyan, has announced her upcoming plans and activities regarding her party involvement.

“The 2018 parliamentary elections prompted me to reconsider new directions after 16 years of public service (of which seven years were in active political roles). I have always believed that in responsible moments, the worst decision one can make is to simply assume the role of an observer. I did not do that in the past, and I will not do so now. That is why, to be heard and to respond to events in the country, I choose the following types of activities:

• Last week, I received my legal practice license and will join the community of lawyers who do not shy away from defending their clients—regardless of public sentiment—understanding that a true state of law can only exist when everyone has access to legal protection and guarantees for exercising their rights.
• Last week, I founded a public organization. Our goal will be to monitor processes occurring in the country, identify issues, and at the same time, propose solutions. Our vision is that through education and impartial, measured oversight, we can record changes in our country. We are ready to include in our team all those who are not indifferent to what is happening and are willing to invest their efforts in upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and strengthening democratic institutions.
• I will also be engaging in professional activities as a partner at the consulting firm 'David and Partners.' This company is unique in our country in terms of its type, team, and operational format. Specializing in business and investment sectors and focusing on the development of comprehensive legal policies, the company spans a broad range of areas—from taxation to intellectual property. We believe that companies providing quality services can create real value and transform our country's business and investment environment.
• I will continue my active teaching and academic leadership work. In addition to traditional subjects, I have developed two author lecture courses for which I have already received invitations from several universities.

What this means is that I will continue my active involvement in public-political processes, subjecting decisions to in-depth analysis and, when necessary, I will not shy away from voicing sharp criticism. In serving our country, apart from politics and public service, there are other important platforms that require real dedication and professionalism. It is particularly important that opinions expressed at this stage are not considered in light of political futures or party affiliations. This is especially pertinent in the context of my decision to establish a public organization, as today, a civil society that speaks not only when serving some interest, but when it is necessary to express a balanced and comprehensive opinion is needed like air and water.

Considering all this, I have decided to suspend my membership in the Republican Party of Armenia at this stage. I wish my party colleagues success in the upcoming phases.

P.S. Soon, I will present in more detail the main objectives, directions, and vision of the activities of the public organization,” she wrote on her Facebook page.