Corruption Should Exist Within the Authority, Says Hovik Aghazaryan

Corruption should exist within the authority if it happens, otherwise, who should we fight against? Should we go and solve the corruption issues of neighboring states? This was stated by Hovik Aghazaryan, a deputy from the ruling Civil Contract party, in an interview with NEWS.am, referring to the observation that corruption scandals are being revealed within the government that fights against corruption.

“Corruption is when a person misuses their position of authority. So what's so strange about fighting against it? Should we not fight? We say that there is no systemic corruption, but corruption will never be zero. However, the fight against it must be continuous,” he said.

Regarding the arrest of more than ten citizens in connection with COVID-related abuses, including Deputy Mayor Gevorg Simonyan, Aghazaryan noted: “Yes, the Deputy Mayor was previously the Deputy Minister of Health when Arsen Torosyan was the Minister. But that doesn't automatically mean anything; we must wait for the legal processes to conclude.”

Aghazaryan categorically denied any connection between this case and the election fraud revelations made by Arsen Torosyan during the ruling party's board elections. When asked if the Prime Minister was aware of everything or even coordinated, he responded: “The Prime Minister cannot be aware of everything; it is physically impossible. That’s why, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, our team approaches such possible issues institutionally. Specifically, we have adopted a law on the confiscation of property of illegal origin. This law has a preventive significance, aimed at us, the authorities, so that we know our declared assets must align with our actual assets. On the other hand, the principle of separation of powers is provided. Every branch carries out its work, and during that process, if any issues arise, let them be clarified. No one is insured; for the Prime Minister, there are no insiders and outsiders.”

Aghazaryan recounted that when the revolution just occurred, they sat down with a very small group, and Nikol Pashinyan said that those present should own nothing except a mortgaged apartment in five years. “Whoever wants to get rich should engage in business; we will create favorable conditions for everyone. It is not that we, gathered around the Prime Minister, are all saints, thus none of us is immune to mistakes and to that extent, we must bear responsibility,” he emphasized.

It should be noted that already 11 individuals have been arrested in the COVID-related case, and various charges have been brought against them. Deputy Mayor Gevorg Simonyan, who was the Deputy Minister of Health at that time, has also been detained. It has been reported that charges may also be brought against the then Minister Arsen Torosyan.