Vartan Oskanian submits an application to presidential elections

PAP MP Vartan Oskanian wrote on his Facebook page: 

“The presidential election is not far off. ‘Political’ debates in Armenia have always addressed individuals, as opposed to political content. Regardless of who will be the main contenders, I think it is important, from now on, to open discussions and debates over the key challenges facing our country and people and start looking for alternatives, considering the complicated situation,” the politician says in his public profile on Facebook.

Oskanian calls for efforts to bring about moral, social, economic and other changes in each citizen’s life within the shortest timeframes.

His considerations are presented below.

1. The country’s moral-psychological atmosphere: The main debate here has to address measures expected to make tolerance and justice dominant and the state institutions -comprehensive bodies serving the people’s interests.

2 Improvement of the political arena: The discussion at this point has focus on the form and content of the state government system. Transition to the parliamentary system is very often discussed today. This could be among the key topics of the campaign. But simultaneously, it is necessary to address the political counter-balances as an important groundwork for strengthening democracy in the country.

3 Economic policies: New economic approaches replacing the obviously effective policies have to be a key topic here. They should be anchored on the principles of eliminating artificial monopolies in the quickest possible manner, free competition and immunity of property. Economic growth and the creation of jobs have to be the main target of the economic policies. To achieve that the Government has, within the shortest timeframes, commit itself to tax reforms aimed to promote an economic growth.

4. Foreign policy: We definitely need a restart in all directions here. It is necessary, first of all, to shape the ideological basis of foreign policy and apart from viewing it as an objective, switch over to using it as a tool, and demonstrate an initiative to use the situation in the region and beyond for gaining a diplomatic advantage and positive results in all matters of concern.

5. Selection of integration area: It is important to launch an open and honest debate over the integration trend to be eventually adopted by Armenia.

This presidential election is not a choice of individuals, but rather a determination of Armenia’s future, Oskanian says at the end.