Outgoing ministers from prosperous Armenia wish to take a little break

YEREVAN, May 31. /ARKA/. Outgoing Ministers from Prosperous Armenia Party told the journalists that they hadn’t planed on new job place yet, and would have a rest for some time.

On May 31, Thursday, the Government of Armenia announced on its resignation. In the outgoing government the Prosperous Armenia Party was represented by four ministers. The position of Parliament Deputy Speaker was also held by a member of Prosperous Armenia. 

“I haven’t decided what I am further going to do. I will take a break for now, and will make decisions later,” Acting Minister of Urban Development of Armenia Vardan Vardanyan said. He also commended the joint work in the government. 

Vardanyan said the same at the government session. 

“ I want to thank you for five-year work. I wish everyone health and further achievements,” he addressed to the government members. 

In turn, Armenia’s PM Tigran Sargsyan gratified his colleagues from Prosperous Armenia, who “carried a heavy burden of the government on their shoulders” throughout all these years. 

On his side, the Acting Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia Artur Grigoryan told the journalists, that he will have a rest for the next three months. 

“After that time I will decide what I will be occupied in. Anyways, I won’t remain unemployed,” Grigoryan said adding that he is not going to exit Prosperous Armenia. 

Referring to the question about whether it is possible for the Prosperous Armenia to turn into opposition force Grigoryan said that the further course of events will determine the direction of the Party. 

According to the Constitution of Armenia, the President of the country approves the government’s resignation on the day of the newly elected National Assembly’s first session. 

The President appoints a new Prime Minister within ten days after approving the government’s resignation. The new government is formed within twenty days after the appointment of a new Prime Minister.

Prosperous Armenia, a moderate centrist liberal-leaning party, was established in April of 2004 by Gagik Tsarukyan, parliament deputy, Head of National Olympic Committee of Armenia, president of Multy Group concern. 

Last week Tsarukyan declared that his party will not enter the coalition as the Party didn’t receive enough votes to form a government and implement its programs. 

On May 6 parliamentary elections, the Republican Party of Armenia won the majority of votes, receiving 44.02% (664, 440 votes). The Prosperous Armenia Party received 30,12% of votes (454, 673 votes) and 37 seats (28 under proportional, and 9- popular vote) in 131-seat parliament The third place was given to opposition block Armenian National Congress- 7.08% (106, 903).

Five-percent barrier was overcome by oppositional Heritage (5.76% or 86, 998 votes) and Dashnaktsutyun (5.67% or 85, 550) as well as coalition Otinats Yerkir – 5.51% or 83, 123 votes. --0--