ArmInfo. Aram Manukyan, MP from the Armenian National Congress faction, suggests that the Government should start a real fight against shadow economy and send the received financial means to the Fund of financial compensation for servicemen's families.
At today's debates on the draft law "On compensation for harm to life or health of servicemen defending the Republic of Armenia", Manukyan said that it is unacceptable to collect a compulsory payment of 1000 AMD from each citizen, because it is legal robbery and additional tax burden for the population.
"Nearly 1-1.5 bln USD is illegally taken out of the country. The law-enforcers should find out all the circumstances and return the funds to the budget or at least to transfer the money to the specified Fund. In addition, there are 5 official billionaires in the country and 60 millionaires among the lawmakers, while poverty in the country is 30%. How can one legally earn millions in the country with such a high level of poverty?" he stressed.
The MP added that 40% of Armenia's economy is shadow economy. By the most modest calculations, it is nearly 1 bln USD. "In addition, 100 mln USD extra-budgetary funds are also a favorable field for corruption. What for do the Municipality, State Revenue Committee, State Register and Police need extra- budgetary funds? Transfer that money to the Fund and to the security sector," he said, adding that it is not honest when officials conceal their millions and get into the pockets of ordinary citizens.