Vardevanyan on Priorities as Deputy Speaker of Parliament and His Decision

Aram Vardevanyan, a member of the 'Strong Armenia' faction and candidate for the position of Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, has presented his priorities for parliamentary activity while announcing that he has decided not to return to his legal practice.

Vardevanyan stated that the opposition faction has decided to assume the responsibilities given to it by the Constitution and participate in the complete formation of the National Assembly. “We have come to the conclusion that we must take on this responsibility,” he noted.

The candidate emphasized that the overall goal of all political forces in Armenia should be to build a strong state, but added that the opposition has serious concerns regarding the country's development direction, preservation of national identity, and the problems in the legal system.

Vardevanyan also addressed the practice of applying preventive measures, asserting that detention is often used in cases where softer measures could be employed, such as house arrest, administrative supervision, or bail.

According to him, it is necessary to utilize parliamentary oversight tools more effectively, as well as to strengthen the parliament's role in foreign policy and parliamentary diplomacy.

He also suggested changing the approach to discussing legislative initiatives authored by the opposition so that they reach the plenary sessions of the National Assembly instead of being rejected in standing committees. Additionally, he proposed that the Deputy Speaker elected from the opposition be granted the authority to appeal to the Venice Commission in order to obtain expert international opinions on projects that the authorities do not send to the committee.

The candidate assured that if elected, he would conduct the sessions impartially, demonstrating equal treatment towards all members of parliament.

After his speech in parliament, Vardevanyan also declared that he would not return to his legal practice. “I have decided that I will not return to legal practice. This is a path I must take, and I will take it,” he said.

Vardevanyan mentioned that this decision was made after receiving an offer to join the political team from 'Strong Armenia' party leader Samvel Karapetyan. “I realized that the party leader, Samvel Karapetyan, has a unique vision for the citizens of the Republic of Armenia,” he remarked.