“In essence, [the newly appointed] Prime Minister Karen Karapetian has not yet started his tenure,” writes “Chorrord Ishkhanutyun.” “The composition of the new government is not yet known but they are already spreading the notion that this was not an ordinary change of prime minister and that a clear line will be drawn between the past and the present, something which has never happened in Armenia before.” The authorities, the pro-opposition paper claims, are implying that they “will not plunder anymore from now on” and will end large-scale tax evasion.
“In theory, this variant is beneficial for the authorities,” continues “Chorrord Ishkhanutyun.” “First of all, because there is not much else in the country that can be plundered. Secondly, because what has been plundered so far will be enough for 10-15 future generations. And thirdly, [further plunder] is dangerous.” It alleges that corrupt government officials and oligarchs will soon “quickly transfer their loot abroad.”
“The game taking place in Armenia these days is not an Armenian game,” writes “168 Zham.” The paper says that ongoing speculation about who will be appointed to Karapetian’s government is part of this game. Its “minor players” are only allowed to speculate on the subject and will have no impact on the game’s outcome, it says.
“Zhoghovurd” comments on the impending appointment by the parliament of Armenia’s new prosecutor-general, Artur Davtian. The paper says that Davtian had to answer tough questions from deputies representing the Armenian National Congress (HAK) and Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) during Wednesday’s parliamentary debate on his candidacy. But despite this criticism, those parties said that they will not take part in Thursday’s vote on Davtian’s appointment. The paper claims that they are simply reluctant to antagonize the new prosecutor. “The reason is totally clear: children, other relatives and friends of our elected representatives very often find themselves in situations whether it is essential not to be at loggerheads with the prosecutor’s office. Mindful of this, the parliamentary factions, which consider themselves to be in opposition, prefer to stay away from trouble and not participate in the vote.”
(Anush Mkrtchian)