We Will Import Goods Six Times More Expensively, This Will Harm Us: Protest Participants Await Government Response

“People should not be put in this situation. We are appealing to the Tax Service, we are appealing to the Prime Minister; we have been beside you, and you should be beside us today. You should not drive us to leave Armenia,” stated one of the participants in the protest against customs changes.

When asked by journalists if there was a prior agreement between the parties, and why they are surprised now, the protesting woman noted that they did not expect such figures. They were aware that taxes would rise, but not in this manner and not at this time when people are fighting for bread.

“The law should be drafted correctly so that it is understandable, so that we can respond appropriately. So many people have come out, yet no one from the government is coming down to talk. There are problems that are becoming double-edged; they are not coming down so we can understand. Today, what is going to be imported will be brought in six times more expensively, and this will harm us because we are currently sustaining our families with this,” she emphasized. “If the borders were open, we might have closed our business and opened one in another country, but now they are leaving no alternative.”

It is worth noting that citizens engaged in small and medium-sized businesses are currently awaiting a response from the Tax Service and the Government.