If Necessary, Drivers and Secretaries of Officials Will Submit Declarations: Rustam Badasyan

Drivers and secretaries of officials will also need to submit declarations if necessary. This was stated today by Armenia's Minister of Justice Rustam Badasyan during the discussion of the Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2019-2022 in the National Assembly, in response to a question from Prosperous Armenia Party MP Naira Zohrabyan.

The minister noted that the scope of individuals required to submit declarations will be expanded, and not only those living with an official will be obligated to submit declarations, but also parents, children, and close siblings. In the case of drivers and secretaries, declarations will be required as needed.

“When discussing drivers and secretaries, we are dealing with a situational issue, particularly if the Anti-Corruption Commission analyzes and identifies certain inconsistencies, or obtains specific information that a public official has acquired property in the name of their secretary or driver, then a declaration will also be required from that driver,” said the minister, adding that if such cases are revealed, both the official and the driver or secretary will be held accountable.

Furthermore, information about foreign accounts will also be included in the declarations of high-ranking officials. Justice Minister Rustam Badasyan emphasized that changes to the declaration system are planned. “A separate section will be provided in the declaration for foreign accounts, and bank accounts opened abroad will be declared,” Badasyan stated.