Makunts Assures That Business People Entering Politics Cannot Combine Both

The leader of the National Assembly's "My Step" faction, Lilit Makunts, assures that all business people who submit applications to enter politics cannot combine these two roles. Makunts made this statement during a conversation with journalists in the National Assembly, addressing the presence of entrepreneurs on the electoral list of the ruling Civil Contract party.

"In Armenia, anyone with a small shop to those owning large companies are considered business people. In all cases where such individuals, regardless of the size of their company or business activity, apply to engage in politics, the legislation of Armenia provides regulatory mechanisms, which do not prohibit these individuals from engaging in politics but do prohibit the combination of both," stated Makunts.

Furthermore, if a situation arises where the principle of prohibition on such combinations is violated, Makunts reminded of the existence of the Ethics Committee of the National Assembly, as well as the Anti-Corruption Committee, which can take necessary actions, including starting the process of revoking mandates.

She emphasized the need to adhere to the letter of the law. Makunts is confident that many different business people with varying scales of operations will appear on numerous lists, all of whom will be subject to the law.

Referring to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's earlier promise that business should be separate from politics, Makunts stated, "The fact that business should be separate from politics is not only a political statement but also a principle established by the laws of the Republic of Armenia. There is no contradiction in that. We also insist that individuals who apply to enter politics cannot combine them."