Monday, January 14 2019 13:51

ArmInfo.The National Assembly of Armenia at the meeting on January 14 began discussions on the candidature of the Presidentof the parliament. The ruling faction  "My Step" has nominated former First Deputy Prime Minister Ararat  Mirozyan to this position.

In his speech, the candidate noted that, if elected, he was ready to  join in the work on overcoming the existing challenges aimed at  strengthening the Armenian statehood and forming a new culture in the  parliament. Ararat Mirzoyan reminded about the main functions of the  parliament - the development of legislative initiatives, control over  the activities of the government, approval of the state budget, as  well as other activities stipulated by the RA Constitution. In  lawmaking, the My Step faction will, naturally, assist the government  of the country.

At the same time, the candidate pointed out the importance of  eliminating imbalances in the legislative initiatives of the  government and the parliament. Parliament, he said, should be more  proactive, and not act as an appendage of the executive body. It is  also important, continued Ararat Mirzoyan, for the National Assembly  to take a more active part in drafting laws aimed at implementing  government programs, making joint decisions and developing a single  agenda with all factions. The future Speaker also stressed the  importance of increasing the efficiency of the state budget, and in  this regard, it is proposed to improve the institutional capacities  of the MPs and the staff of the National Assembly of Armenia. In  addition, control over the implementation of the program budgeting  project will also be strengthened.

Ararat Mirozyan also stated the need to activate the parliamentary  commissions involved in investigative activities. "Nothing should  restrict the activities of these commissions," the candidate noted,  pointing out also the importance of giving new content to  parliamentary hearings. These hearings, continued Ararat Mirzoyan,  should be well prepared, with concrete conclusions and  recommendations. "To implement all these activities, there is  political will and institutional capacity", Ararat Mirzoyan said. He  also noted the need to step up parliamentary diplomacy, aimed  primarily at protecting state interests.

The candidate also pointed out the importance of cooperation with all  parliamentary factions. "I intend to become the President of the  National Assembly from all factions," he added, adding that he  intends to carry out constructive work with all, including the  extra-parliamentary forces and civil society.  In order to increase  the efficiency of the National Assembly, Ararat Mirzoyan proposed the  creation of an expert center, which will strengthen the capabilities  of the parliament and create conditions for the implementation of the  ideas of the MPs.

To note, the counting commission was formed in the parliament, Vahagn  Hovakimyan became its chairman, and Arpine Davoyan became the  secretary.

In the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, the procedure of  secret voting on the candidature of the President of the parliament  began, which will last until 2:30 pm local time.