The deplorable current state of the Armenian economy has many causes, and the widespread corruption is one of the main reasons for that. The government pretends that it fights corruption in the country, but the situation is not improving.
The Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan has recently held a working meeting, which discussed the issues of international cooperation in the fight against corruption and implementation of Armenia-undertaken commitments.
Thus, Europe is vigilantly monitoring the situation in Armenia and demands from the Armenian authorities to deploy uncompromising struggle with corruption in the country. Armenian experts note that this is right, because this scourge has deep roots in the country.
However, it is well-known that nobody in the Armenian government is able to fight corruption in the country. Therefore, the Armenians are still skeptical about the authorities that for many years throw dust in the people’s eyes. No one believes in Armenia that the fight against the problem will yield any tangible results.
The fact of destructive corruption in Armenia was repeatedly pointed out by foreign representatives in the country. Some months ago, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills noted that if Armenia does not manage to solve the problem, it will affect the relations between the two countries in specific areas – for example, in investments.
Meanwhile, few people dare to invest in the corrupt Armenian economy. Even the richest foreign businessmen from affluent countries hesitate to invest their money in a country known for extreme corruption and many other drawbacks. The 2015 report of the Transparency International Anti-corruption Center showed that Armenia is one of the most corrupt countries of the world.
Despite the European Union Delegation to Yerevan contributing €1.5 million towards two anti-corruption projects in the 2011-2014 period, the doleful situation has shown no signs of change.
Today, instead of starting a serious fight against the problem, the authorities continue to make unrealistic promises for poor Armenian population. This suggests that the ruling regime does not want to stop corruption, as it has long ago turned into the government's main feeding source.
Armenia's 'war against corruption' feels like a fake
13 October 2017
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Armenians want the government to take action against bribery- but is this a fight against corruption or just a diversionary tactic?
