ARF parliamentary faction chairman Vahan Hovannesian

YEREVAN (Yerkir)—The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Parliamentary faction on Wednesday called for the resignation of Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and his cabinet of minister.

The ARF cited the failure of the government’s socio-economic policies, as well program implemented to combat the global financial crisis as the reason, adding that the government has also failed in curbing price increases and immigration.

In response to a simple question from ARF as to why the government has not been able to make strides in these realms, the government quickly pointed the finger to its predecessors.

In a vote of 10 to 13 the motion was tabled due to lack of a quorum.

ARF parliamentary faction chairman, Vahan Hovannesian, said that per parliamentary rules, this motion can be reintroduced in four months, adding, however, that the country will be in worse shape and the government will find itself in a more complicated situation.

ARF parliamentary bloc member Armen Rustamian said the government’s efforts to blame the previous administration for the current shortcomings did not properly address the factions concerns, and, in fact, the explanation proved the point.

Finance Minister Vache Gabrielyan explained that the global financial crisis has impacted all nations, especially developing ones, adding that the government is taking certain steps to regulate that situation.

Hovannesian explained that the discussion that ensued in parliament also angered the majority ruling coalition members.

“They were not expecting that the government that they appointed would target the former leadership of the majority, be they the president or the former prime minister, who is now the president,” said Hovannesian, adding that answers to these questions must be presented.

Hovanessian also added that either acknowledges continuity and acknowledges its shortcomings, or it blames the previous regime, which is essentially the same majority that appointed the current government of the prime minister.