Armenian authorities better to sink into a reverie
By Laman Sadigova
A break in “Electric Maidan” has emerged on Day 12 of protests following the Armenian government's June 17 decision to increase the electricity tariff by 6.93 drams per kWh starting from August 1.
"We are currently carrying out explanatory work among the citizens, so that they can refrain from violating the law and leave the Avenue," Yerevan Deputy Chief of Police Valery Osipyan said.
"I think our citizens respect the law and understand that violating the law is impermissible," he added.
Does the Armenian government not understand the problems of people, with every third person living in poverty?
At the first sight, the cost seems insignificant, but not for Armenia, where citizens have no sources to pay for electricity. Armenia's current authorities led the country into poverty under their separatist policies. The country spends 30 percent of its budget on the military.
This decision appeared to be the final boiling point for Armenian people.
Despite Armenian experts’ attempts to convince everyone that the protests are only for economic, not political reasons, the protests seemingly have deeper roots judging by demonstrator demands to meet with the president, which he successfully evaded.
Armenia keeps 20 percent of neighboring Azerbaijan under occupation, a factor that undermines regional security. This aggressive and ill-conceived government policy has put the country in an economic blockade by Turkey in the south and Azerbaijan in the west, resulting in the collapse of the national economy, a drop in the value of the Armenian currency (dram), and widespread unemployment.
Armenia has almost no natural resources, its economy is underdeveloped, and according to the World Bank, 32 percent of the population lives in poverty. Indeed, Armenian people have nothing to lose, because they are driven into despair.
The Armenian government’s promise that there is “nothing to worry about” does not inspire confidence. The expectations may prove to be misleading, and a civil movement can get a second wind.
Osipyan's efforts to demonstrate police patience evoke a surprise when compared to its actions. In other words, the government’s current rhetoric of "The police are doing their best now so that they leave the Avenue voluntarily" drastically contradicts its original where they stated, "We will restore public order in Baghramyan Avenue."
Meanwhile reports claim that the number of protesters are rising from day to day and the government’s currently appeared new policy of waiting out is not helping. Perhaps, the Armenian government needs to review its priorities and change both internal and domestic policy. It is completely clear that even if they will be able to “clear out” the Armenian “Maidan,” it will appear again and again as long as the government refuses to listen to its own citizens.
Isn’t that what the people actually want?
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