BOYCOTT OF TUITION FEES
At some point, apparently, when nothing is left in their pockets,
the citizens do now allow picking their pockets. Over the past five
years the policy of the Armenian government was aimed at identifying
this point. Rise of fare reached the limit of the public pocket.
Apparently, however, the government has not understood that.
The government should realize that the “public pocket” has run
out of resource, and every rise in prices, taxes and other forms of
racketeering will encounter resistance of citizens or zero result. The
pocket is empty, people are harder.
The citizens of Yerevan refused to pay 150 drams instead of 100 for
bus fare. When thanks to the activists everyone refused to pay 150
drams, the City Hall had to return the former fare.
Currently civic demands to reduce gas and electricity fees, as well as
cancel the rise in tuition fees are starting in Yerevan. For the time
being the process is expressed through protests, petitions and attempts
to meet and talk to those in charge. It is obvious, however, that
the only way of reducing prices is to continue to pay the former price.
If in September the majority of students agree to pay the tuition fee
before the increase, the university will do nothing but to retrieve
the former amount of the fee. Otherwise they will have to dismiss
all the students, lock the gates of universities and go home.
Boycott of prices which are increased willfully may be the most
effective method. The case of transport fare is an example of success.
A similar method could be applied to gas and electricity fees.
Disobedience should be the answer to the new tax on turnover that
has squeezed a lot of enterprises.
Apparently, however, the government still hopes to squeeze people’s
last money. The recent rise in the rate of refinancing is evidence
to this. This decision is aimed at protecting banks, not customers,
and it will lie heavily on our shoulders.
The government should be made understand that the society will not
allow them to pick their pockets.
Naira Hayrumyan 20:48 16/08/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Emil Lazarian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.
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