Why Should I Pay? I Want to Understand Who Declared the State of Emergency, He is Responsible - Tsarukyan

If Tsarukyan's statements had been heard, if preparations had been made, it wouldn't be this way, said Gagik Tsarukyan, the leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party, during a briefing with journalists, addressing the state of emergency.

“In today’s situation, indeed, there is an economic crisis worldwide, but Mr. Tsarukyan had said that there were signs of an economic crisis and that measures should have been taken so that we wouldn’t face a deadlock. If Tsarukyan's statements had been heard and preparations made, it wouldn’t be this way, but today I don't want to blame any minister for not doing something. This is a problem for all of us; we need to find a way out together,” Tsarukyan added.

When asked what personal actions he has taken and whether his employees are currently working, Tsarukyan stated that he fully complies with the rules of the state of emergency. Regarding whether he continues to pay his employees, Tsarukyan said, “But why should I pay? I want to understand. Whoever declared the state of emergency is responsible. Today, just like the head of a family, the state is obligated to provide funds for those who aren’t working.”

When questioned if he is putting his staff on unpaid leave and shifting the responsibility onto others, Tsarukyan replied, “Dear girl, how much empty talk can you make? I am an ordinary citizen; the state made a decision on the state of emergency, and no one has the right to do anything excessive. Today, the state, as the head of a family, must think about its working citizens and pensioners.”

In response to comments that changes are being proposed in the Labor Code requiring employers to pay their employees, Tsarukyan said, “Whoever makes the decision should pay.”

To the question about Shangri-La not operating now and whether workers will not be paid, Tsarukyan remarked, “Then the state should also pay the taxes for Shangri-La, and it should provide the people's salaries. There are foreigners there; I have no connection with them. The manager is foreign, I am a shareholder.”