The message of the President of the Union of Communities of Armenia, Emin Yeritsyan, on the occasion of the Local Self-Governance Day in Armenia.

“Dear Community Heads ,

Council Members ,

Community Servants ,

I heartily congratulate you on the occasion of the Local Self-Governance Day in Armenia.

The 26th anniversary of Local Self-Governance in Armenia was completed. Of course, the institution of self-governance, the communal type of society has been present throughout the entire history of the existence of the human community. In 1996, local self-governance was formed in Armenia in accordance with modern perceptions of local democracy. Moreover, the new system of local self-governance was one of the required pillars of the newly independent statehood

In the span of 26 years, thousands of people were involved in the establishment of their communities and the state, in the construction of communities. Our vision was that the communities, being endowed with sufficient resources, abilities and authority, acting independently and with their own responsibility, would significantly improve people’s living environment, provide quality and affordable services.

All these years you have honored your commitment to serve the people. All these years, the burden of responsibility and available resources has been inconsistent. Under those conditions, your mission would be impossible without the dedication with which you treat your work, your communities.

Starting from the direct election system of 936 communities, the head of the community and the members of the council of elders, today we found ourselves in a different reality of local self -governance, when we have 71 enlarged communities, an excellent proportional electoral system. These were changes that are essential for our statehood and constitutional system.

However, local democracy still has many challenges.

The most important of them are decentralization and citizens’ trust.

Even after the administrative territorial changes, the extent of the powers of the local authorities is limited, and the funds needed for their implementation are small, public resources are still unevenly distributed between the central and local authorities. Without resources and powers, local authorities cannot fulfill their mission:   to provide quality services and create a quality environment for human life.

Citizens’ trust remains one of the most important challenges. Local democracy is impossible without trust.

Our daily activities should be aimed at the citizen. Being closest to our residents, we have a unique opportunity to build on the power of that trust, increasing the role and authority of local government.

The future of Armenia and local self -governance will only be a path upward.

I congratulate you all.”