Pashinyan highlights decentralization in community reforms

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YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 11, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has highlighted the continuity of the reform agenda in local self-government bodies from the psychosocial perspective.

Speaking at a conference dedicated to the 28th anniversary of establishment of the local self-government system in Armenia, the Prime Minister stressed that the citizens must be aware of the mechanisms through which their expected changes are taking or not taking place. 

He said that the community and the state must act based on collective efforts to improve the life of residents. 

Pashinyan said that the decentralization process is one of the most important components of the changes that are taking place in communities.

“Politically we must note that the proportional holding of local self-government elections is among the most important decisions made. It is also important that de-facto the elections are not rigged, and the citizens are de-jure and de-facto electing their mayors and city councils,” Pashinyan said.

PM Pashinyan highlighted that decentralization has covered not only the powers of local self-government bodies, but also their obligations and responsibility.

“It turns out that by having political will the government decentralizes the powers, but everyone forgets that responsibility is also decentralized. Turns out the government continues receiving demands, criticism and expectations in terms of responsibility, however these powers are no longer the government’s powers,” Pashinyan added.

“It is very important for decentralization of obligations and responsibility to take place along with [decentralization] of powers,” the premier added.

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