“The elections will decide what kind of Armenia we will have. 2012 will be either a year of democracy, or of oligarchy.” Richard Giragosian

2012 is a very important year for Armenia, as parliamentary elections will be held, Regional Studies Center Director Richard Giragosian stated during a press conference on Friday. 

“The elections will decide what kind of Armenia we will have. 2012 will be either a year of democracy, or of oligarchy,” Giragosian noted.

And as a worrisome fact, Giragosian pointed to the growth in poverty. In line with official data, over one million residents are poor. “This must become unacceptable, since the disparity between wealth and assets is growing. Forty percent of Armenia’s children are living in poverty. This should cause concern for the authorities and the [Armenian] Diaspora alike,” the political analyst noted.   

In Richard Giragosian’s view, tax evasion by the oligarchs is a serious danger for Armenia. “The existence of the oligarchs limits foreign investments and the business climate,” he maintained. Giragosian also argued that Armenia’s government should challenge the oligarchs and collect from them the additional amounts specified by 2012 State budget.