VIDEO. "Don't leave, I will provide jobs for everyone with 300,000 drams". Gegharkunik Governor to protesters

A conflict arose between residents blocking the Yerevan-Martuni road and Gegharkunik Governor Karen Sargsyan. The governor urged residents not to go abroad for work, assuring them that he would provide jobs for everyone: "Don't leave, I will provide jobs for everyone with 300,000 drams."

One resident responded, "No question. It's for sure, but it has to be within a 10 km radius, otherwise it won't be feasible for me to go to Sevan or Abovyan to work; there will be nothing left of my salary."

The governor insisted, "What else can we do? I am providing jobs in the region. It's not your job; it is mine to provide for you." The resident stated that if this situation continues, he would leave Armenia.

The governor replied, "You don't love our country. You truly love to speak lies and nonsense. " One of the protesters accused the governor and the authorities of selling the country, to which the governor responded, "Speak wisely; you’re getting too excited over what you learned." With each person trying to speak, it was difficult to maintain a conversation, leading Governor Sargsyan to say, "This won't work; we can't speak to each other like this: Come closer, let’s talk together."

After saying this, the governor left amidst boos from the crowd. It is noted that residents of Gegharkunik region blocked the Yerevan-Martuni road to protest new legislative changes by the State Revenue Committee, which requires those going abroad for work to pay a 20% income tax on earnings received abroad in Armenia.

Today, the State Revenue Committee issued a statement indicating that it is ready to commence discussions regarding this legislative adjustment.