“Rebellion is a walking emigration”
Economist Movses Aristakesyan hails the activity of the National Statistical Service ((NSS) of Armenia saying the statistical agency has been trying to provide true data in recent years.
"Food and consumer baskets were estimated 35 000 and 62 000 drams respectively," says the economist adding that the consumer basket was to amount to 100 000 drams.
Movses Aristakesyan reminded that the provision of the right to an adequate standard of living is an inalienable human right which is enshrined in the constitution and laws. However, it is not fulfilled in Armenia.
The economist conducted research which showed that the cost of the food basket totaled 36 600 drams in February 2011.
"According to the Ministry of Health, this is the amount that can enable citizens to buy necessary products," said Aristakesyan.
Similar research was conducted in California, USA, where the food basket made 46,600 drams, given the difference in wages in Armenia and the USA.
"The minimum wage is 15 times higher in the USA," he said.
The economist does not think that Armenians have reconciled themselves to the grave social situation.
"Rebellion is a walking emigration. Today we are witnessing a white genocide carried out by the authorities and oligarchs," the economist said in reply to people who think there is no reason for social rebellion.
"The authorities are robbing people: they are exporting their capital overseas and leaving our people in debt," he concluded.
