As of April 28th, Armenia has reported 1867 cases of coronavirus and 30 deaths.
The Armenian government extended for another 30 days the state of emergency. Originally issued on March 16th, it will now last until May 14th.
Today, restrictions around the world pose significant risks not only to the health and socio-economic systems of countries, but also to the democratic institutions and the national governance. Unfortunately, some governments cannot resist political temptation even during the state of emergency.
While the virus has shut down international borders and economies, most of the countries are in lockdown and the whole world struggles against the coronavirus, Armenian authorities have not loosened the ties of political persecution. Politically motivated criminal cases and selective justice stay in place while law enforcement bodies remain convenient tools to keep opponents silent even during the quarantine.
Despite all this pressure, the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) called for solidarity in the fight against the pandemic from the very first moment of this crisis.
The unprecedented nature of the economic, social, health and other crises generated by the Covid-19 urged the RPA to strengthen its role as serious and efficient opposition. While the Armenian government was busy imposing restrictions on the right to protect personal data by enlarging monitoring and surveillance efforts with the use of sophisticated technologies, the RPA was preparing various suggestions to help the country and the Armenian people to combat the virus outbreak.
Many members of the Republican Party, each in his own professional field and specialization, presented projects with clear steps to overcome different aspects of the pandemic. The proposals covered a wide range of issues: healthcare, economic, social, legal, foreign affairs, etc.
As the government is missing a clear and effective strategy, the RPA’s affiliated Luys Foundation has also mobilized its experts, who elaborated mechanisms for withstanding the crisis.
Under these circumstances, it is extremely important for governments to stop undermining the rule of law and to start acting effectively. The disease does not recognize political ideologies.
The Armenian government needs a reliable opposition with expertise in the public administration to contain the fallout of the Covid-19 and to develop a coherent strategy for the sake of the Armenian people. That opposition is the RPA and it’s here to help!
Yerevan, 28th April 2020
