The protests in Armenia, which is a strategic ally of Russia, could lead to the resignation of the government. And the reason for this was Russia itself, a subsidiary of the energy giant, which has raised electricity tariffs in Armenia.
Activists protesting against electricity price hike have not accepted the offer by President Serzh Sargsyan, news.am reported.
Member of "No to Plunder" initiative Vaghinak Shushanyan said they do not consider this a victory and will continue the struggle. He added that Baghramyan Avenue will be closed, since the Armenian authorities did not meet any of their demands.
Serzh Sargsyan neither canceled the decision to rise electricity price, nor promised to hold accountable the law enforcers for their illegal actions on June 23.
In a statement made earlier on Saturday, the Armenian leader said the government will absorb the electricity price hike before the end of evaluation conducted by an international company.
Sargsyan on Saturday held a meeting with those responsible for economic policy during which the ways to ensure Armenia's energy safety were discussed.
If the evaluation reveals that the price is justified, people will pay more. If it is revealed that the price hike is not justified, the government will take measures to get money from the Electric Networks.
Everything that is happening shows that in terms of crisis for Russia it's difficult to subsidize its allies. This explains the increase in the tariffs of the Russian company "Inter RAO" and the impossibility of its cancellation by the government of Armenia. Apparently, the Armenia's economy expects a large number of economic "shocks", as it is totally dependent on Russia today, which going through hard times due to the sanctions of the West.