Energy Price Hike Gives Rise to Protests in Armenia, ARF Calls for Independent Audit

The Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) of Armenia unanimously voted on June 17 to raise energy tariffs in the country. During a parliamentary hearing last week, Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Member of Parliament Artsvik Minasyan called for an independent audit of the Electricity Networks of Armenia’s (ENA) finances to address any possible infractions in expenditure, and to propose a comprehensive overview of the energy body.

Some activists were arrested after scuffling with police, but were released soon after (Photo: Photolur)
Some activists were arrested after scuffling with police, but were released soon after (Photo: Photolur)

Speaking to journalists after the PSRC’s decision, Minasyan said that the ARF will soon introduce a draft law about the issue in Parliament, calling for an audit and requesting a freeze on energy tariffs for five years. Minasyan also urged other political parties to push forward legislative initiatives to suspend the process of price increases.

Activists, most of them members of the Armenian Youth Federation, protested outside the PSRC offices in downtown

Yerevan, on June 17. Some activists were arrested after scuffling with police, but were released soon after.

An in-depth report to follow.

 

1 Comment

  1. Wow! What a loss for Armenia. Another national blunder by the thief oligarch leaders and the system they live by.. ENA is owned by another Russian company, that is supposedly demanding a 40% rate hike. And the Armenian leadership says this is to blame. And if that’s true didn’t they sell that electrical infrastructure of Armenia to a Russian company? For profit?? So it was another poor decision? The ARF on the other hand distrusts the leadership completely and is demanding an audit saying the Armenian leadership is basically stealing and that’s the issue.. Either way what a disaster for the average Armenian.

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