‘Hraparak’. ‘Punitive’ actions are being taken against MPs

‘Hraparak’ newspaper writes: ‘As is known, the staff of the National Assembly is carrying out ‘punitive’ actions against those MPs who fail to attend pre-planned business trips without ‘respectable’ reasons. For instance, deductions are being made from their salaries corresponding to the cost of air tickets, unless the MP presents a ‘sick leave’ or a valid reason explaining their refusal to go on the trip. Recently, we heard complaints from some MPs (of course, we cannot disclose their names) that the leadership of the National Assembly is also guided by loyal and non-loyal principles on this issue. The head of the National Assembly staff, Tigran Galstyan, told us in our conversation that this is not about punitive actions, and the process is conducted in accordance with the laws and internal regulations. However, he could not recall how MPs compensate for unauthorized absences: ‘I need to refer to the law; I can’t say this right now.’ Galstyan assured that no individual approach is being applied to any MP.’

Read the full article in today’s edition of the newspaper.