Economist praises draft Armenian constitution from economic point of view
YEREVAN, October 28. / ARKA /. Tatul Manaseryan, head of a Yerevan-based think tank called ‘Alternative’ praised today Article 10 of Chapter 1 of the new version of the constitution that will be put to a referendum on December 6, describing it as an indication of ‘an economy with social orientation.’
Article 10 of the draft constitution states that Armenia’s economic model is based on social economy market, based in turn on freedom of economic activity, private property and free market competition, and is aimed at the general economic well-being and social justice of people implemented through the government’s public policy.
“When Armenia became an independent country, it was announced that it would pursue a liberal economy, but shortly afterwards it became clear that the liberals, in particular, neo-liberals, destroyed the country’s economy,’ he said.
According to Manaseryan, in 2008 the liberal ideology was abandoned for good because ‘there is no longer a country that implements it economic policy without government intervention.’
He, however, said this does not mean a return to a planned economy. ‘We need to preserve a competitive market economy oriented towards the society.’
Manaseryan said Germany adopted this policy after World War II that enabled it to achieve great social and economic successes.
Manaseryan also argued that the proposed economic changes in the draft text of the constitution, will prompt a revision of some laws to make economic management system much more efficient at the government level, and later at the level of local governments.
The referendum on constitutional amendments in Armenia, providing for a transition to parliamentary form of government from the current semi-presidential form will be held December 6. -0-
Article 10 of the draft constitution states that Armenia’s economic model is based on social economy market, based in turn on freedom of economic activity, private property and free market competition, and is aimed at the general economic well-being and social justice of people implemented through the government’s public policy.
“When Armenia became an independent country, it was announced that it would pursue a liberal economy, but shortly afterwards it became clear that the liberals, in particular, neo-liberals, destroyed the country’s economy,’ he said.
According to Manaseryan, in 2008 the liberal ideology was abandoned for good because ‘there is no longer a country that implements it economic policy without government intervention.’
He, however, said this does not mean a return to a planned economy. ‘We need to preserve a competitive market economy oriented towards the society.’
Manaseryan said Germany adopted this policy after World War II that enabled it to achieve great social and economic successes.
Manaseryan also argued that the proposed economic changes in the draft text of the constitution, will prompt a revision of some laws to make economic management system much more efficient at the government level, and later at the level of local governments.
The referendum on constitutional amendments in Armenia, providing for a transition to parliamentary form of government from the current semi-presidential form will be held December 6. -0-