Ruben Vardanyan: I don’t want to be president

YEREVAN, June 14. /ARKA/. Famous Russian businessman, co-head of Sberbank CIB, ex-president of Skolkovo Business School Ruben Vardanyan confessed in his interview to a Russian TV program host Ksenia Sobchak why he has no wish to become Armenia’s president, Novosti-Armenia reports.

During the interview Sobchak asked the businessman whether he would like to follow Georgia’s Bidzina Ivanishvili, concentrate his efforts on his small motherland, Armenia, make a big career there, become a politician and take the presidential post in 10-15 years’ time.

“Everyone should stick to his own business. I am doing a lot for my small motherland, Armenia, being a Russian citizen, I am implementing certain projects. But I believe I am good there where I do what I can do”, the businessman said.

According to Vardanyan, being a monoethnic state with tough clan-led management, Armenia has its own, specific problems.

The businessman said he emigrated to Russia in 17-year-old age and has nothing and nobody in Armenia anymore.

Vardanyan did not agree with the host saying Armenian authorities, having in mind the businessman’s wealth, prefer avoid his growing influence in Armenia. He said he has a good relationship with the current Armenian authorities.

“I believe I am a bad politician a bad leader: I do not possess all the qualities required for a successful politician, especially in a country where culture and mentality is different from the one I was brought up in”, Vardanyan said.

In response to the next question whether he wants to become a president in 15 years, Vardanyan said “no”, adding he is sure about who he wants to become.

“I want to create a system of funds and want to help build an industry of charity in Russia…”, he said. He also said he will be supporting interesting projects, doing charity in education, culture and social projects, as well as help increase confidence in the society.

Forbes estimated Armenian-born Russian businessman Ruben Vardanyan’s wealth at about $0.5 billion. “Ruben and Veronika Vardanyan & friends” charity fund operates actively in Armenia. It has provided $20 million for Revival of Tatev project and provided $120 million of co-funds for construction of Dilijan international school. --0--