The Ministry of Economy Purchases a Decorative Doll, While Security Forces Buy Expensive Watches: 'Zhoghovurd'

'Zhoghovurd' newspaper writes: 'The 'Zhoghovurd' newspaper often highlights the purchases made by public administration bodies of the Republic of Armenia. This time, our attention is drawn not so much by the costliness or the supplier company but rather perhaps due to the absurdity of the situation: the Ministry of Economy has purchased a decorative doll and decorative clay. The contract, where the purpose of the purchase is frequently mentioned, is not attached, making it unclear for which specific needs of the ministry this purchase was made. It should also be noted that if this were a gift, it would be illegal under the law. For instance, in 2010, the State Revenue Committee gifted its employees watches worth 1 million drams each for New Year’s.

Similarly, in the case of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the ministry purchased 89 expensive watches, 45 of which cost 114,540 drams each, and 44 others at 128,000 drams each. A total of 10,786,000 drams was paid for these watches. According to the description, these watches are intended to be given as awards. It is noteworthy that such rewards are not provided for in the Armenian legislation, and according to the regulations established by the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption on December 22, 2023, regarding the registration, transfer, and evaluation of gifts received by public officials in connection with the performance of official duties, as well as provisions for the maintenance and publication of the registry of gifts, examples of the mentioned gifts are not included in the law, therefore are considered unacceptable.'