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“Economic development depends on two circumstances: economic security and competitiveness. As for the first point, I think the election program of presidential candidate, RPA leader Serzh Sargsyan contains exact provisions, and, despite lack of figures, it offers exact principles for overcoming economic threats,” professor, founder of Alternative Research Center Tatul Manaseryan told Panorama.am in an interview in which he commented on the economic part of the election programs of presidential candidates. 

The election programs of other candidates contain some components but some of them are unrealistic, the expert said.

“In particular, Hrant Bagratyan’s election program mentions such figures, which, if fulfilled, would cause serious problems. If his promise to increase minimum wages and pensions twofold is carried out now, I think Hrant Bagratyan will fail to continue to keep his promise,” Manaseryan said.

The economist singled out the principles offered by Raffi Hovannisian in his election program.

It is positive that Raffi Hovannisian highlights the role of social infrastructure of village, according to Manaseryan.

“This is a correct approach. Agriculture and agrarian policy require special approach,” the expert added.

“A question arises: who hindered Hrant Bagratyan, while being Prime Minister, to develop Armenia’s economy, and not to destroy it, particularly the agriculture, by implementing short-sighted agrarian policy and the reform which we call privatization of land?” Manaseryan concluded.