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IS OPPOSITION GETTING READY FOR COALITION?
Naira Hayrumyan
Story from Lragir.am News:
18:09 11/01/2013
Serzh Sargsyan neutralized the opposition during the parliamentary
election of May by means of the national conciliation policy. He
let all the opposition forces into the parliament thus depriving
them of their main argument. Ahead of the parliamentary election the
opposition and the "alternative" - the PAP - claimed they had been
deprived of the opportunity to participate in the process of decision
making. After the election they were granted titular access to this
process but the few months following the election proved they have
been unable to use this opportunity to have a positive influence on
the decision making process.
To some extent this is due to Serzh Sargsyan's efforts to ensure the
Republicans win majority to have all the decisions passed. However,
the opposition forces have been unable to form a joint front, involve
the civil society to counterbalance the majority.
The decision of the opposition and the alternative to withdraw from
the campaign is perceived as a boycott and reluctance to participate
in the game of someone else. However, the option of deals analogical
to those of the parliamentary election is not ruled out. Obviously,
there had been such deals before the parliamentary election.
The PAP has been promised the post of vice prime minister to be
created in future. The City Hall is also said to be handed to the PAP
soon. The prime minister's post may even be handed to the opposition,
for example, Hrant Bagratyan, while Tigran Sargsyan will become the
country's chief fundraiser. The social affairs may be returned to the
ARF which speaks about social justice, while justice may be assigned
to the ANC. Raffi Hovannisian could be the next minister of Diaspora.
It would be a perfect appointment ahead of the 100th anniversary of
the Genocide.
Opposition's refusal would be viewed as a sign of weakness. Their
agreement will mean the continuation of the policy of "national unity"
dictated by Serzh Sargsyan. This policy will enable Serzh Sargsyan to
neutralize the opposition, as well as face the international community
with the image of a democratic president, at the same time bridling
his oligarchs and partly disclaiming responsibility.
The fact that the opposition does not call for a boycott indicates a
reservation for post-electoral deals. In addition, rumors already come
on a possible coalition government including the opposition parties.
The deal with the government is usually disapproved, especially
considering that power has been usurped. However, national unity is
perhaps the best thing given the current opposition.
Naira Hayrumyan
Story from Lragir.am News:
18:09 11/01/2013
Serzh Sargsyan neutralized the opposition during the parliamentary
election of May by means of the national conciliation policy. He
let all the opposition forces into the parliament thus depriving
them of their main argument. Ahead of the parliamentary election the
opposition and the "alternative" - the PAP - claimed they had been
deprived of the opportunity to participate in the process of decision
making. After the election they were granted titular access to this
process but the few months following the election proved they have
been unable to use this opportunity to have a positive influence on
the decision making process.
To some extent this is due to Serzh Sargsyan's efforts to ensure the
Republicans win majority to have all the decisions passed. However,
the opposition forces have been unable to form a joint front, involve
the civil society to counterbalance the majority.
The decision of the opposition and the alternative to withdraw from
the campaign is perceived as a boycott and reluctance to participate
in the game of someone else. However, the option of deals analogical
to those of the parliamentary election is not ruled out. Obviously,
there had been such deals before the parliamentary election.
The PAP has been promised the post of vice prime minister to be
created in future. The City Hall is also said to be handed to the PAP
soon. The prime minister's post may even be handed to the opposition,
for example, Hrant Bagratyan, while Tigran Sargsyan will become the
country's chief fundraiser. The social affairs may be returned to the
ARF which speaks about social justice, while justice may be assigned
to the ANC. Raffi Hovannisian could be the next minister of Diaspora.
It would be a perfect appointment ahead of the 100th anniversary of
the Genocide.
Opposition's refusal would be viewed as a sign of weakness. Their
agreement will mean the continuation of the policy of "national unity"
dictated by Serzh Sargsyan. This policy will enable Serzh Sargsyan to
neutralize the opposition, as well as face the international community
with the image of a democratic president, at the same time bridling
his oligarchs and partly disclaiming responsibility.
The fact that the opposition does not call for a boycott indicates a
reservation for post-electoral deals. In addition, rumors already come
on a possible coalition government including the opposition parties.
The deal with the government is usually disapproved, especially
considering that power has been usurped. However, national unity is
perhaps the best thing given the current opposition.