Opposition MP slams ruling party over rushed ENA nationalization bill

Opposition MP Artvik Minasyan of the Hayastan faction has sharply criticized the ruling Civil Contract party for what he described as a “blatant disregard for constitutional processes” in fast-tracking legislation to amend laws on the regulation of public utilities and the energy sector. The proposed bill seeks to create a legal basis for the nationalization of the Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA).

Speaking at a parliament session on Tuesday, Minasyan accused the government of bypassing proper oversight and due process.

“It has become a tradition to trample on constitutional laws and procedures,” the MP said, referring to the bill introduced on June 25. He noted that the ruling party submitted the draft law and initiated an extraordinary parliament session on the same day despite the absence of an expert opinion at the time.

“You claim this is a matter of strategic importance, yet the government’s conclusion was only posted on its website yesterday, without a summary and entirely missing from the National Assembly’s site. No opinions from relevant bodies have been provided either,” Minasyan said.

"Instead of addressing the Armenian leadership's hostile attacks on the people, you’re busy discussing other things," he added.

In response, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Armen Simonyan defended the process, stating that the legislation could be thoroughly addressed between the first and second parliamentary readings.