ANC candidate presents key points of election program
ArmInfo. Levon Zurabyan, Deputy Chairman of the Armenian National Congress (ANC), nominated by the political party for Prime Minister of Armenia, presented the key pillars of his party's election platform.
In an interview with journalists, Zurabyan explained that the main goal of the ANC's platform is to improve the lives of every citizen, including members of minorities. He expressed his conviction that all Armenians want a secure country, the opportunity to create freely, and to find decent work to ensure the well-being of their families. The ANC Deputy Chairman highlighted security as the top priority of his political party, noting that a strategy for ensuring it will form the foundation of their platform.
In this vein, Zurabyan noted the strategic importance for Armenia of the construction of the North-South International Transport Corridor (INSTC) railway project, including from the perspective of ensuring peace. "This is a program that can lead to real peace. Unlike the so-called 'Trump route,' which has numerous shortcomings and leads to a clash of geopolitical interests, making Armenia dependent on Azerbaijan," Zurabyan emphasized.
At the same time, as the ANC deputy chairman noted, at least 160,000 Armenian citizens will benefit from the North-South project, since, according to him, this route will facilitate business activity and could become a global transit route independent of Azerbaijan and Turkey.
In the area of foreign policy, Zurabyan proposed a new model that would restore Armenia's role on the international stage. "We will not allow the West and Russia to wage war on Armenian territory. We are an independent country, not a battlefield. In this regard, we intend to propose the adoption of legislation on friendly countries, which will provide benefits to states without hostile intentions toward Armenia," the ANC deputy chairman explained. Regarding the economy, Zurabyan noted the need to shift from a model of serving external producers to supporting domestic businesses. In this regard, he announced his intention to improve the country's tax system, including eliminating the profit tax and abolishing the property tax.
At the same time, speaking about the country's problems, Zurabyan noted that the most pressing issue is the outflow of professional personnel from Armenia. In this regard, he announced his intention to create preferential conditions for the return of specialists and to restore vocational schools, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture. "Furthermore, we intend to create a Ministry of Water Resources Management, as this is one of Armenia's most important strategic resources, which is currently facing serious problems," Zurabyan noted.
The politician also announced his intention to fund research and development and promote the country's integration into international processes, such as the crypto industry, if he comes to power. "We will also create a data warehouse that will help make sound decisions and develop strategies for the government. Furthermore, a mechanism for the expert use of artificial intelligence will be introduced into management processes. Thus, technological development will become a driver not only of economic growth, but also of security, strengthening the military, and coordination in education, medicine, architecture, and the arts," Zurabyan emphasized.
Regarding air pollution, he announced his intention to develop ecological and ecotourism. "We will present Armenian agricultural products as the most environmentally friendly; this should become our brand. To clean the air, we intend to close polluting mines and eliminate landfills, replacing them with waste processing plants. Building codes will be strict, and restrictions based on environmental criteria will be introduced in the mining industry," the ANC deputy chairman noted. Efforts, he said, will also be aimed at improving the political environment in Armenia. He argued that the state must become inclusive, where everyone has the opportunity to work and develop, regardless of their relationship with the government. To this end, Zurabyan noted, their political force proposes returning to a semi-presidential system of government and ending experiments with leadership models.
"All this will contribute to ensuring security. We will also restore democracy and political freedom, release political prisoners, and stop attacks on the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC)," he stated. Finally, the politician announced plans to cancel government programs that have no future, such as the Academic City and community consolidation. Regarding the latter, he expressed readiness to restore self- government in villages.