Opposition Lawmaker Asks Prime Minister How He Amassed His Millions

When did RA Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan or other members of government manage to amass millions of dollars? Armenian National Congress (HAK) MP Nikol Pashinyan asked the head of government today during discussion of the government program in Armenia's National Assembly.

The opposition lawmaker asked for an explanation as to why business has not yet been separated from politics. Pashinyan said that Hovik Abrahamyan declared $5.5 million (in assets); Minister of Finance Gagik Khachatryan, $6.5 million; and Chief of RA Government Staff Davit Harutyunyan declared 6 apartments, one house, one dacha, and one plot of land. 

"Regarding my property, I never hid the fact that I have it. I declared it. I worked in agriculture during the time when the law allowed engaging in business. No need to treat entrepreneurs negatively. It's because of entrepreneurs that we're sitting here; it's due to them that we raise pensions and salaries. Entrepreneurs are presented to the public as bugaboos," said Abrahamyan. 

Pashinyan retorted by asking Abrahamyan to teach him how he was able to amass millions working in agriculture when villagers cultivate the land but are burdened with bank loans. 

"Ask, and I'll tell you. How do I listen to Mr. Bagratyan [former prime minister, economist, and HAK MP], if I am not embarrassed to ask if I lack knowledge in some matter?" Abrahamyan replied. 

Pashinyan remarked that he is not against entrepreneurs; he was merely pointing out that officials engage in business. 

"Entrepreneurs create thousands of jobs. You did not feed a single family in your life — [you] only criticize. This is not the street, but the National Assembly," Abrahamyan retorted. 

Pashinyan also asked the PM to explain the statement "obligatory but not imposed" he made yesterday with regard to the law on funded pension. Pashinyan said in the dictionary the two terms are synonyms. Abrahamyan praised Pashinyan for reading the dictionary and said he will follow his example and begin reading dictionaries as well. Pashinyan's question, however, remained unanswered.