Known Figure Drew a Cross Over All the Values They Manipulatively Discuss During Protests: Arsen Julfalakyan

Former MP Arsen Julfalakyan wrote on his Facebook page: “Since independence, there has been constant talk about meritocracy in Armenia. It is obvious that over the 30 years, we have not achieved that desirable goal. However, the situation has never been as critical as it is today, when positions are filled not by deserved individuals, but by those who simply agree to work with this government (referring to the overwhelming majority of appointments made since November 10...).

Let me elaborate: many will remember that discussion around meritocracy especially gained relevance after the events of 2018. At first glance, it seemed that nothing stood in the way, and ideal conditions were created to implement it. But only at first glance. It took a short time to understand that the broad wave of public discontent is restrained by individual, personal issues such as complexes, hatred, and grudges against intelligent, deserving, accomplished, professional individuals who hold their own opinions.

Why? Because he is a mediocrity himself. Moreover, he has been mediocrity throughout his life—from childhood, on the streets, in schools, to education and professional career (journalism), and now as Prime Minister of the country. The evidence of these complexes is countless. I want to point out just one of the latest manifestations.

When the known figure brings such disaster upon the country while being a personally failed leader, he stands at the high podium of the National Assembly and responds to the question of a PhD in history, lecturer, international expert, financier, and MP (and quite appropriately) in an insulting, ironic, and impudent tone as if he is a leader who has won a war—everything has already been said.

This known figure, with this step, simply draws a cross over all the values he manipulatively speaks of during protests—democracy, prioritization of education and science, the importance of the teaching profession, meritocracy, accountability, responsibility, constructive political debate, and so on. His real attitude is shown by his daily behavior, not by words.

What is most painful is that there were applauders in his political team for such disgraceful behavior. The latter apparently still do not understand (or do not want to understand) that regardless of their personal accomplishments (those who have them...), the moment they express an opinion slightly deviating from self-sufficiency or the “leader’s line,” they will be met with the same attitude.

From this, a few conclusions can be drawn: applauders will never exhibit such differentiated behavior. They are personally very surprised to have found themselves in the position they are in, while their leader will be even more inspired by the applause and will express himself even more sharply against all those figures who fail to realize his “greatness and uniqueness.” A person loves applause, what can they do?

For these reasons (and not only...), over the 30 years, we have not only not approached, but moved further away from meritocracy. I hope not definitively.

P.S. It is when you become very much worse than what you have been fighting against.