31-year-old Ani Ispiryan, who was dismissed yesterday from the post of Deputy Minister of Economy by the decision of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, was invited to Armenia in 2020 by the “iGorts” program of Diaspora Armenian specialists in the Department of Foreign Relations and Protocol of the Russian Academy of Public Governance, News.am wrote.
Before being appointed deputy minister in 2020-2021 Ispiryan was an expert in the “iGorts” project, were Diaspora Armenian specialists are invited to work in the RA government and other departments.
According to News.am, Nikol Pashinyan himself was dissatisfied with the work of the deputy minister. In particular, in december 2023, when Pashinyan visited the Ministry of Economy to discuss the departmentS activity report, Ani Ispiryan also presented a report related issues, which upset Pashinyan. He noted that an “incompetent” person was appointed to such a responsible position and urged the minister However,taking into account the workload of the ministry and the need to ensure current performance,as well as the circumstance of not finding a suitable replacement,the government decided not to hurry.
However, the National Security Service reported to Pashinyan about Ispiryan’s participation in illegal transactions, after which a decision was made to fire him.
It is noteworthy that two weeks before the “unexpected” dismissal, this same deputy minister presented at the cabinet meeting the controversial draft decision to donate 12.5 percent of the shares of “Lydian Armenia” to the RA government, which, according to experts, is full of vague wording, and the actual transaction, according to experts, it contains corruption risks.
Let’s remind that today, in response to the questions of journalists, the Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan said that Ani Ispiryan told him that her husband got a job in Holland and they are going to move.And a few days before moving,he wrote an request for dismissal.
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What are the key factors contributing to political accountability challenges in Armenia’s governance system?
Title: Insightful Interview on Political Accountability and Governance in Armenia
Q: Thank you for joining us today. To start, can you explain the significance of Ani Ispiryan’s dismissal from her post as Deputy Minister of Economy? What does this reflect about the current state of governance in Armenia?
A: Thank you for having me. Ani Ispiryan’s dismissal is a critical event reflecting not only individual accountability but also systemic issues within Armenian governance. Her term, which began after being invited through the “iGorts” program, brought international expertise to local governance. Though, her firing by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan illustrates a pressing concern regarding the effectiveness of appointed officials, particularly when they face allegations of incompetence and participation in illegal transactions. This situation emphasizes the need for obvious processes in the selection and evaluation of public officials.
Q: The Prime Minister expressed dissatisfaction with Ispiryan’s performance prior to her dismissal. Can you discuss how performance evaluations are conducted within government ministries, and what could be improved?
A: Performance evaluations in government ministries are ofen complex, involving various metrics including project outcomes, compliance with regulations, and stakeholder feedback. In Ispiryan’s case, her presentation seemingly failed to meet the Prime Minister’s expectations, leading to his public discontent.To improve these evaluations, it would be beneficial for ministries to adopt clearer performance indicators and encourage a culture of constructive feedback. Regular reviews and comprehensive training could also help officials meet the high standards required of them.
Q: There have been allegations against Ispiryan regarding her involvement in possibly corrupt transactions and controversial proposals for government share donations.How do such issues impact public trust in government?
A: Allegations of corruption, especially in high-stakes transactions like the proposed donation of shares from “Lydian Armenia,” significantly impact public trust. When citizens perceive that government officials are partaking in shady dealings, it undermines their confidence in the integrity of the administration. To combat this, there must be strict oversight and accountability mechanisms in place. Transparency in the decision-making process and public consultations could restore faith in governmental institutions.
Q: The Minister of Economy mentioned that Ispiryan cited personal reasons related to her family’s move to the Netherlands for her dismissal request. Could this indicate deeper issues within the Ministry of Economy?
A: It’s quite possible. Personal reasons can be a facade for deeper systemic problems. If an official feels overwhelmed by the role or faces internal criticism, it’s not uncommon for them to seek an exit strategy. The Ministry of Economy might be experiencing high turnover due to the pressures of governance, especially amidst allegations of corruption and public scrutiny. Encouraging work-life balance and providing support systems could help retain talent in such high-pressure environments.
Q: Lastly,what practical advice would you offer to readers regarding engagement with political processes,particularly in light of recent events in Armenia?
A: Engaging with political processes is vital,especially during times of unrest or change. I encourage readers to stay informed by following credible news sources and participating in civic discussions. It is indeed also crucial to hold leaders accountable by voicing opinions through civil society organizations or public forums.advocating for transparency and ethical governance can empower citizens to influence positive change within their communities. Together, we can work towards a more accountable and effective governing structure.
Q: Thank you for yoru insights today. It’s clear that the recent political developments have far-reaching implications for governance in Armenia.
A: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these critical issues. It’s critically important for all of us to remain vigilant and engaged in the political landscape to ensure a brighter future for Armenia.