SME reps protest new tax duties outside Armenian government 

ArmInfo. Small and medium business representatives are protesting outside the Armenian government against the backdrop of new tax duties. Along with their discontent over the amendments to the Tax Code that will double the  turnover tax from 5% to 10%, the protesters are also voicing their  objections to other government reforms and legislative initiatives,  such as higher transport and garbage collection fees.

"The statements by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan indicate  that the forces operating in the country have already lost control  over the social situation. If they continue in the same spirit, they  risk meeting a tragic fate," business representatives gathered  outside the Armenian government building told journalists.

The SME representatives also expressed dissatisfaction with the fact  that so far no officials have approached them to inquire about the  reasons for their protests. The demonstrators are convinced that the  challenges facing the country today go beyond new tax collections.  They believe that the same "person" who makes all these decisions is  now questioning the Armenian Genocide. "Today, 60% of Armenia's  population are descendants of Genocide victims. According to the  logic of the Prime Minister, they simply do not exist. Let him answer  to the countries that have recognized the Genocide," they said. 

The protesters assured that they will protest until the laws are  revised. Additionally, the participants of the action declared their  intention to not vote for the ruling Civil Contract party in the next  elections. They claimed that the Armenian authorities are encroaching  on every "penny of society" by attempting to control citizen's bank  accounts through additional declarations.