Opposition MP: Armen Sarkissian’s resignation is ‘belated’
Armenian President Armen Sarkissian’s resignation is "belated" or meaningless because it does not help resolve any problems facing the country, MP Artur Vanetsyan, the leader of the opposition With Honor parliamentary faction, told Sputnik Armenia.
Sarkissian submitted resignation on Sunday, stating that the president does not have the necessary tools to influence the important processes concerning the domestic and foreign policy in difficult times for the country.
Vanetsyan states the conduct of the current Armenian authorities are beyond “sound political logic”.
"The already former president, as a matter of fact, did not use at least the minimal powers vested in him by the Constitution in the most difficult times for our country and during the most important processes,” the lawmaker said.
“Sarkissian considered these powers insufficient or ineffective, whereas in many specific cases they could have helped resolve major challenges and problems facing our country. This, in turn, could have prevented the catastrophic situation which we have found ourselves in," he explained.
Taking all this into account, Vanetsyan thinks that it is of little importance whether the president resigned under pressure or voluntarily. In addition, according to the politician, during his tenure Sarkissian did not give reasons to put pressure on him and actively cooperated with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
Also, Vanetsyan said it is too early to talk about possible nomination of an opposition candidate for president.
"The Homeland Party led by me and the With Honor faction are yet to hold consultations on the matter. It will take some time," he noted.