The Constitution of Armenia prohibits Parliamentary Deputies from engaging in business. According to Chapter 4, Article 65 -  “A Deputy may not be engaged in entrepreneurial activities, hold an office in state and local self-government bodies or in commercial organizations, as well as engage in any other paid occupation, except for scientific, educational and creative work.”

Despite this prohibition on June 13th a ceremony took place in the National Assembly that would seem to encourage all Deputies to vigorously engage in such commercial enterprises.

According to a reader survey conducted by the “Business-Planet” magazine published in Yerevan, Gagik Tzarukyan, head of the “Prosperous Armenia” political party and National Assembly Deputy, came out on top in the following three categories: “The Most Successful Entrepreneur in the Business World”, “The Most Charitable of Entrepreneurs” and “The Most Appealing Entrepreneur in Women’s Circles”. Based on these findings, on June 13th one of the founders of the magazine awarded Mr. Tzarukyan with a Certificate of Commendation at a National Assembly reception packed with guests.

“I’m grateful and moved that you and others who follow what is going on have seen fit to give credit where credit is due. You may not like the individual but the most important is to appreciate what they have done.” stated Mr. Tzarukyan.

When asked by reporters if politics didn’t get in the way of business Mr. Tzarukyan answered, “The country’s stability is the desire of all businessmen. If such stability is lacking a businessman can’t operate at effectively. Factories and plants are the columns supporting the government and they require stability to operate at optimal levels. Businessmen don’t wish to move their assets elsewhere. If the people live will the lot of the businessmen also improves. The two are linked.”

Apparently, it never occurred to either to those who presented the award, or to the Deputy, that such a ceremony actually serves to encourage violating the provisions of the Constitution.