The Government of the Republic of Armenia

Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan - Dear colleagues, I would like to start today’s Cabinet sitting with the recent days’ social movement-related problems.

First, we can see that this is a spontaneous movement of people, which has no political character, though the latest events have shown that some political parties would like to avail themselves of the opportunity, while the actual cause is the Yerevan Town Hall’s decision to change the public transport fares.

This movement is more of a social nature, social equality and justice - against poverty – that is young people’s motivation is quite understandable. We can see a powerful civil society being formed in Armenia. We must take account of this reality in decision-making and pay great attention to civil society building issues.

Secondly, the independence of local self-government authorities and local self-sufficiency are essential on the way to building a democratic society, and in that sense, of course, the decision at hand entirely lies within the jurisdiction of the Yerevan municipality. Nevertheless, we can not ignore the sentiments aroused by this decision with regard of the executive power and, of course, we must keep focus on this problem.

Thirdly, we have set a rule and I am now demanding that any decision relating to the masses be discussed with the public, involving civil society organizations.

While necessary, this rule appears to be insufficient, since in cases like this the NGOs represent not only the opinion of their members in cases when our decisions affect thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands of people.

This means that we must hold open public debates in making important decisions. I think the revision of transport fares is one of that kind and we should provide public debates before making a decision.

I think that there is a need to fill this legislative gap, and the regime we use to regulate the activities of the Public Council, namely that the Council is supposed to hold public debates and public hearings, this approach is entirely justified because there is time to listen to the opponents and their arguments, and which helps us give proper guidance to the public so that either future decision-makers would take into account the public’s opinions and sentiments, which is essential for the formation of civil society in our country.

From this perspective, we will closely follow the Town Hall’s decisions. Mr. Areyan, I would like you to let us know what steps you are going to take in order to respond to the questions of concern to the public.

First Deputy Mayor of Yerevan Kamo Areyan - Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. Please be advised that for all these days the Mayor himself has closely followed the developments associated with the rise in public transport fares.

At the same time, the Mayor has had meetings with the representatives of different social groups and the public at large to listen to their views and suggestions, in parallel to public polls. At tis point, the Mayor is holding meetings with the Elderly Council factions.

Summarizing the conclusions and recommendations voiced during the discussion, as well as the future plans and activities, the Mayor of Yerevan will address the public later today to provide clarifications and the steps to take.