The parliamentary inquiry committee set up to examine the effectiveness of the actions taken by the Government of Armenia and the Commandant’s Office to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), mitigate or eliminate the consequences of the outbreak of the virus  must also examine the activities of the political opposition. This is what Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Lena Nazaryan, who represents the ruling My Step Alliance, said during a discussion on the relevant initiative that the Bright Armenia parliamentary faction presented during today’s session of the National Assembly.

According to her, members of the political opposition have made contradicting statements several times, and this has made people stop treating the threats of COVID-19 seriously. “The opposition particularly declared that it was necessary to close the borders with Italy and Iran, but then it stated that the use of the term ‘lockdown’ would disturb the opening of borders. The opposition also suggested that the parliament stop operating, but then it started complaining that deputies are wearing face masks in parliament,” Nazaryan clarified.

In response, the keynote speaker, leader of Bright Armenia Party and head of the homonymous parliamentary faction Edmon Marukyan stated that Nazaryan’s information is inaccurate and that no MP has ever said there is no need for MPs to wear face masks in parliament. Marukyan didn’t miss the opportunity to remind deputies that many top officials, including the country’s health minister and the Prime Minister have made certain statements showing that they don’t treat the threat seriously.