The opposition Yelk alliance moved closer on Tuesday to forcing a parliament debate on its demands for repealing government-drafted legislation which it blames for recent increases in the prices of fuel and some foodstuffs in Armenia.
A senior Armenian lawmaker downplayed on Thursday potential consequences for Armenia of a new U.S. government list of Russian officials and wealthy businesspeople who might risk U.S. sanctions.
A senior representative of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) expressed confidence on Tuesday that Armen Sarkissian, a former Armenian prime minister currently serving as ambassador to Britain, will agree to become the country’s next president.
The opposition Yelk alliance said on Friday that it will continue to campaign for the scrapping of new government-drafted legislation that raised income taxes for Armenians earning well above the average wage in the country.
Armenia’s second largest parliamentary force led by businessman Gagik Tsarukian was in no rush to endorse on Friday a presidential candidate nominated by the outgoing President Serzh Sarkisian’s Republican Party (HHK).
Gagik Tsarukian, the leader of Armenia’s second largest parliamentary force, publicly disagreed on Tuesday with assertions that President Serzh Sarkisian is “irreplaceable” as the country’s commander-in-chief.
Armenians earning more than a 150,000 drams ($310) a month will pay higher income taxes under new and comprehensive tax legislation that will come into effect in January.
The Armenian opposition accused the ruling Republican Party (HHK) on Thursday of resorting to blatant violations to push a government bill through the parliament.
The opposition Yelk bloc announced on Thursday plans to nominate one of its senior members as a candidate for the post of Armenia’s president who will be elected by the parliament in March.
The National Assembly approved on Friday Armenia’s state budget for next year which will increase government spending by more than 7 percent but keep public sector salaries, pensions and other social benefits unchanged.
The Armenian parliament on Tuesday overwhelmingly refused to debate on a pro-Western opposition alliance’s calls for Armenia’s withdrawal from the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).
The Armenian parliament committee on foreign relations on Wednesday formally objected to the opposition Yelk alliance’s calls for Armenia’s withdrawal from the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).
Members of the opposition factions in parliament leveled harsh criticism at the government over the draft budget for next year, claiming that it falls short of the ruling party’s promise of increased pensions and salaries in 2018.
Several dozen market traders again rallied outside the Armenian parliament on Tuesday to protest against what many of them described as ‘tax terror’ used against them by the State Revenue Committee.
Labor and Social Affairs Minister Artem Asatrian defended on Monday the Armenian government’s decision not to raise public sector salaries and pensions next year despite a planned rise in its overall expenditures.
A senior diplomat reaffirmed on Thursday the Armenian government’s intention to sign later this month an agreement aimed at significantly deepening Armenia’s relations with the European Union.
The Armenian government will amend its bill aimed at combatting domestic violence in response to criticism voiced by conservative members of the ruling Republican Party (HHK), Justice Minister Davit Harutiunian said on Wednesday.
Several dozen market traders rallied outside the Armenian parliament on Tuesday to protest against new government rules that require them to pay more taxes.
The Armenian government stood by its projections that economic growth in the country will accelerate to 4.5 percent next year as it presented its 2018 budget proposal to lawmakers on Monday.
Armenia imports the bulk of its natural gas from Russia because it is cheaper than gas supplied by neighboring Iran, Energy Infrastructures Minister Ashot Manukian insisted on Friday.
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