At today's extraordinary congress "Prosperous Armenia Party" leader Gagik Tsarukyan announced about his farewell to big-league politics, giving up the party president's office and the parliamentary faction head's position.
In his speech Tsarukyan particularly said: "Today there are people in this hall with whom I have walked a long way, shared moments of happiness and disappointment. There were also tensed situations that I did my best to solve. As a result, we managed to form a political power that carried weight not only in Armenia, but also overseas. However, today I have come to tell you about my decision to leave big-league politics. This is a decision of long thinking. It is my own decision, and I do hope you will be understanding of it. I can only assure you, I have never had an ax to grind while being involved in politics; I have never did deals behind my political group's back Whatever I did was aimed at one thing only - see smiles on my fellow citizens' faces. Accept me the way I am. Yes, I am renouncing politics, but I will continue my activities for my people's sake. I am asking you not to turn to me with political problems anymore. In turn, I promise not to interfere in the decisions you make. I have nothing to do with PAP anymore. It is my final decision."
Tsarukyan then suggested secretary Naira Zohrabyan's candidacy for the PAP president's office given her "popularity and loyalty to the team". "However, it is up to you to decide, from now on you are the ones to make decisions", said Tsarukyan.