Armenian lawmaker: Civil society should be able to dictate political agenda (video)
What happened on Baghramyan Avenue in June and July was a victory for civil society because the activists campaigning against the rise in electricity prices were able to awaken state agencies and make them think of a solution, says a member of the Heritage Party. “I am glad that we have such a generation who do not activate only during elections. They need not give up and should not allow state agencies to sit idle,” said Tevan Poghosyan. The lawmaker says civil society needs to develop to such an extent that it can dictate the political agenda. It should be able to establish foundations and organizations that will cope with social problems and raise various issues. “Since 2008, we have witnessed several victories of civil society. I mean the events on Mashtots Avenue, the campaign against the rise in public transport fees. We have also seen unsuccessful endeavours but I am glad that the new generation is able to raise issues,” the lawmaker said. Speaking about the allegations that some forces ‘stood behind’ the campaign against the rising electricity prices, Mr Poghosyan said, “No one paid attention to the problem until activists blocked Baghramyan Avenue. The activists achieved their goal, I think nothing else matters.”
