Some political forces are trying to politicize the civil protests against the rise in the public transport fare in Yerevan, but this is just a civil campaign against poverty, Armenia's Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said during the Government's meeting on Thursday.
He said that the protesters are seeking solidarity and justice. "I understand them. A strong civil society is taking shape in Armenia, and we must consider this fact when deciding something," the Premier said.
He said that the Government also gives high priority to the independence of local governments – for this is one more step towards democracy.
Sargsyan expressed displeasure with the work of the Municipality of Yerevan and, particularly, the mayor of the city Taron Margaryan. He said that the rise in the public transport fare was within the Municipality's competence. So, he advised them to henceforth consult people before passing crucial decisions. The Premier said that he and the Cabinet are attentively following the Municipality's actions.
To note, the decision to raise the public transport in Yerevan was not a surprise for the Government as the Premier claims. Before being passed it was discussed at two government meetings. In one of his interviews before the rise Armenia's Transport and Communication Minister Gagik Beglaryan said that the Government would consider the people's interests when raising the fare. But now that the people have begun to protest, the Government is denying its complicity and is trying to pass the buck to the Municipality.
To remind, people in Yerevan are actively protesting against the decision to raise the public transport fare in the city from 100 AMD to 150 AMD. Groups of activists are urging people to continue paying 100 AMD. Some car owners are carrying people free of charge. A group of protesters are now picketing the Government building.