Bill demanding finance minister’s resignation backed only by opposition

Armenian parliament did not approve today the bill demanding resignation of finance minister Atom Janjughazyan. Sixty-seven lawmakers voted against, 41 for and 1 abstained.

Addressing the parliament head of Bright Armenia faction Edmon Marukyan, the initiator of the bill, said that Janjughazyan was to be present at the sitting as the issue refers to him.

“His absence is too an attitude toward the parliament. His behavior, answers to questions… we insist on our decision. This is a warning to all the ministers, such like behavior is unacceptable in a country which wants to have parliamentary system of governance,” Marukyan stressed.

Prosperous Armenia faction joined Bright Armenia in the decision.

“Yesterday’s discussion showed that we did not get answers to the forwarded questions. The minister must clearly present the essence of the issue for us to back the bill,” PAP lawmaker Mikael Melkumyan said.

My Step faction though did not agree with the position of the parliamentary opposition. Addressing the parliament head of the faction Lilit Makunts stated before the voting that they would vote against it.

“One meeting is not enough for making such decision,” she said.

This is the first case when parliamentary opposition demands resignation of a minister.

The issue raised after Bright Armenia faction head Edmon Marukyan voiced dissatisfaction from the content of answers the minister gave to the questions voiced by the faction. He described minister’s answers offensive, saying that Janjughazyan gave same answers to 8-9 different questions.