“Chorrord Ishkhanutyun” says that as recently as a year ago Armenian officials were promising that Armenia will earn significant economic benefits as a result of its membership in the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and easier access to the 170 million-strong market. “You need to manufacture something before you can export something,” writes the paper. “And very few things are manufactured in Armenia.
“The fluctuations of the Russian ruble’s exchange are a very serious challenge to Armenia’s economy,” writes “Zhamanak.” “Armenia is faced with steady risks and inability to deal with those risks. Economy Minister Karen Chshmaritian … says that Armenia is looking for new markets. But how is Armenia looking for them? With a candle or a microscope? The Armenian public wants to see concrete economic policy steps. For example, they can see the luxury cars and villas of Armenian officials and businesses belonging to them. Only one trend is visible in Armenia: a redistribution of the government ‘pie.’”
“What does benevolence mean?” “Aravot” asks in an editorial. “Real benevolence occurs when you not only do not expect any gratitude but also help the person who has no possibility of expressing their gratitude. And that can happen only if the benefactor’s name is not disclosed.”
(Anush Mkrtchian)