These Authorities Have Multiplied the 'Clientelism' by a Hundred, Says MP

“Here, their affiliated officials receive millions in bonuses, justifying that it is normal for Alen Simonyan to make decisions regarding bonuses, and it is normal that Alen Simonyan will have a personal doctor financed by the state budget, while the state procurement in Armenia has essentially been suspended. Starting from October 1, every working citizen in Armenia will have to spend about 60,000 drams every month to take a PCR test to be able to enter the workplace,” said Anna Mkrtchyan, a member of the 'Honorary' faction of the National Assembly, during a conversation with journalists.

She pointed out the glaring difference between the rhetoric of those who came to power in 2018 with slogans against injustice and their current actions. “These people came with slogans that they would end the resolution of issues through acquaintances and relatives, claiming that in 2018 the citizens of Armenia fought against ‘clientelism’ and ‘authoritarianism’, using all sorts of vocabulary. Now, they have amplified the ‘clientelism’ by a hundred, replaced ‘authoritarianism’ with more expensive cars, and they do not even adhere to the established procedures for public tenders; they are merely able to ensure what they need through unilateral, large purchases,” the MP stated.

As part of the representatives of power's behavior, the MP also highlighted the fact that Alen Simonyan’s brother has won large tenders. It is noteworthy that the company led by Alen Simonyan's younger brother recently won the tender for asphalting internal roads in the Aparan community, and months ago the company signed a contract worth 368 million drams with the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure.