From 11 to 20 December, 2019, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Health, Arsen Torosyan’s personality and activities.
35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored.
In the specified period, 171 articles were declared, 62 of which were negative, 23 were positive and 86 were neutral.
The Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan has been unable to get rid of the criticism for a long time, and the fact that many of Arsen Torosyan’s initiatives are not even welcomed by the representatives of his own political team, has also become a reason of criticism.
According to one of the publications, on December 19, by the decision of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Artyom Smbatyan was appointed the new Deputy Minister of Health. According to reports, Smbatyan is the protege and friend of Minister Arsen Torosyan. It is noted that Arsen Torosyan applied to the Prime Minister in March of this year to appoint Smbatyan to the post of Secretary General/Chief of Staff of the Ministry. According to the publication, Smbatyan was appointed to the post by violation of the law because he did not meet the requirements for the post of the secretary general/chief of staff.
Arsen Torosyan’s 6 percent tax type offer continues to be criticized. Experts and public figures note that there are corruption risks. Some MPs from “My Step” fraction, also share this opinion. In addition, it is said to be beyond the principle of social justice.
Narek Samsonyan published 101 facts. One of the facts has it: “Nikol Pashinyan’s team is largely staffed by people who are “ineligible for military service” or who have avoided military service. The grounds of dismissal from the army of Minister of Justice Rustam Badasyan, Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan, Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, Arayik Harutyunyan continue to be denied or not fully disclosed. 29 out of 65 male members from the NA “My Step” fraction are released from compulsory military service.”
Arsen Torosyan is also accused of having links with former Minister Levon Altunyan and being engaged in a deal with him. According to Marina Khachatryan. “Recently, on December 14, the book presentation of “Lethal Choice” was held, stating that people who do not want their children vaccinated or conduct an anti-vaccination campaign are criminals and so on. The preface to the Armenian edition of the book was written by former Minister of Health Levon Altunyan, that is to say the book is also sponsored by Levon Altunyan. A few days ago, an article was published according to which, Arsen Torosyan and Levon Altunyan were seen together. Arsen Torosyan sued me for calling him an element of Serzh’s Armenia. Mr. Torosyan I will present the facts to the court justifying the reason why I have called you so.”
