Pashinyan: Today I am much more optimistic about the future of  Armenia than in 2018-2019, and even more so in 2020-2021

ArmInfo.On April 23, RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a meeting at Matenadaran with members  of the newly formed Public Council, led by the Chairman of the Council, Ara Khzmalyan.  As reported by the government press service, the Prime Minister noted in his speech that the constitutional  description of the Public Council as an advisory body of the government, should ultimately be fully realized.

Pashinyan emphasized the government's constant need for such a platform, format and place  for consultations. He expressed hope that the newly formed Public  Council will assume this role. According to the Prime Minister, the  statement that patriotism without professionalism is dangerous  accurately reflects the current situation and the country's journey.

He added that although the prevailing mood in Armenia currently  appears to be pessimistic based on public discourse,  he personally  remains optimistic. "It is usually said that a pessimist is a  well-informed optimist, and who, being well-informed in an optimistic  setting, finds himself in the field of pessimism, and then again in  the field of optimism. This is a category of citizens who have a  deeper understanding  of the current situation or see the situation  with all its nuances at this period and in a longer historical  perspective," the Prime Minister said.

Pashinyan emphasized that he is now much more optimistic about the  future of the Republic of Armenia than he was in 2018 or 2019, and   even more so in 2020 or 2021. "What has changed during this time? The  following has changed in the perception and perspective of the Prime  Minister: the government has a project that is very specific. And I  would like us not to underestimate the existence of this project,  following the logic that this is a project that focuses on our  decisions,  rather than those made by others. In my opinion, the best  or key change that has occurred in the worldview of the government  and the state system is the following. I tried to present this in my  recent two speeches at the National Assembly, and now, especially at   the Public Council, I want to emphasize this. Optimism stems from  having a project on the table, with its success depending on us by 90  percent or more, absolutely on us and on the decisions we will make  as a society, as a state, as a nation. I think this is the most  important news from my point of view that I want to share it with  you," Pashinyan noted, adding that optimism does not mean a  guarantee. Nikol Pashinyan wished  success to everyone at the Public  Council, promising active participation from the government. He  envisioned the newly formed Public Council as a platform for the  exchange of ideas, discussions, and debates, rather than disputes.   Further, issues related to the upcoming activities of the Public  Council were discussed. The Prime Minister addressed questions from  the Council members.