RPA: recent governmental staff shifts preparation for elections

PanARMENIAN.Net - Member of ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) believes recent resignations and staff shifts in Armenian government should be regarded as pre-election stage.

“Current developments are meant to activate political life in Armenia, as parties, like live organisms, are in need of change and development,” Karine Achemyan stated.

In the context of oncoming elections, the MP stressed the necessity of preparatory work, including programs implemented, organizational and practical issues. “RPA takes the matter seriously, with a number of representations operating throughout Armenia,” the MP said.

Member of Free Democrats opposition party Anush Sedrakyan, however, disagreed with the view above, noting the resignations prove current governance model in Armenia has exhausted itself.

Former Mayor Karen Karapetyan sent in his resignation on October 28 to be replaced by acting Mayor Taron Margaryan.

On November 1, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan signed a decree to relieve Armenian police chief, lieutenant general Alik Sargsyan of his duties and to appoint him as a presidential advisor.

By another decree, lieutenant general Vladimir Gasparyan was dismissed as the Deputy Defense Minister and was appointed to the post of Armenian police chief at the government of Armenia.

On November 3, by the decree of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, the first deputy chief of presidential staff Mikael Minasyan was dismissed to take a post at RPA election headquarters.

On November 21, Armenian National Assembly speaker Hovik Abrahamyan confirmed his resignation filed November 14, with Samvel Nikoyan elected as acting parliament speaker.