National Assembly approves 2018 state budget, Only the coalition votes for (video)
The sitting of the National Assembly lasted about half an hour. The parliament voted only on the projects discussed on the previous day. Thus, during the session it was decided that the Armenian government would continue providing social assistance to the bordering communities in the coming years. The Parliament adopted the draft law on making changes in the Law on Social assistance to bordering communities at the second reading. The draft proposes to extend the term of the Law on ‘Social assistance to bordering communities’ from 2018 to 2021. The RA Prime Minister and other members of the Government are in the National Assembly. Before voting on the draft law on state budget 2018, deputy of the Tsarukyan faction Mikayel Melkumyan announced: "As the project does not reflect the political content, as well as serious bases for not only economic growth, but also economic development, and also, educational and social expenditures are opposed to capital expenditures. There are no conditions for the formation of free, fair, and competitive relations against the monopolies, so, we cannot share the political stance of this budget, and certainly, the Tsarukyan faction will vote against this draft budget." The bill was approved by 64 for, 35 against, 0 abstaining votes. The ruling coalition was the only one who was for this draft law. After this, the RPA and ARFD deputies began to congratulate each other and applaud. "If the government wants, it can go," NA Speaker Ara Babloyan asked by whispering to NA Vice Speaker Arpine Hovhannisyan. "No, it does not," Arpine Hovhannisyan replied.
