Opposition forces skeptical about anti-corruption fight launched by Prime Minister

The opposition forces are skeptical about the anti- corruption fight launched by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan.    
Mher Shahgeldyan, Secretary of the Orinats Yerkir Faction, said that corrupt officials cannot combat corruption. However, he blamed nobody. In this light, he said that the reduction in the number of cars and personnel cannot give obvious results, because more radical measures are needed.    

Aghvan Vardanyan, Secretary of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun Faction, said that the fight against corruption and monopolies will take a long time, but its results can surprise many people. "I am also a bit skeptical about the political elite, but I am sure the situation will be changed," he stressed.    

Mikayel Melkumyan, member of the Prosperous Armenia Party Faction, said that he does not believe the anti-corruption fight will give tangible results. He also stressed the need for radical measures.  

On May 12, Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan spoke of the fight against corruption, obliging the law- enforcement departments engaged in the field to make regular reports on the process. In case of no progress, the human resources policy will be revised. He said the persons holding state positions and their relatives must not be allowed to participate in the state procurement and the program must be implemented on the government funds. He said all these measures are impossible unless there is sustainable and long- term economic growth that will allow creating new jobs and reducing social tension.  The prime minister admitted that the government was not consistent enough in fighting monopolies. On February 12, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan also said that it is time to change a lot of things.  Meanwhile, many partners of Armenia, including the EU and the US, have already stated that they are going to provide no financial assistance for combating corruption until they see specific and tangible results.