Since the first elections of local self-government bodies in the Republic of Armenia held on November 10, 1996, November 10 is celebrated as the day of local self-government.
RA Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Gnel Sanosyan sent a message on the occasion of the day.
"Today we are celebrating the 28th anniversary of the formation of the local government system. The local self-government system has gone through many difficulties and overcome various challenges during these 28 years, but today we can confidently state that the local self-government system in the Republic of Armenia is established.
Evaluating the results achieved in the field of local self-government, we also record the things that still need to be done in this important system of public administration that ensures democracy.
We will continue to work on improving community capacity, capacity building. Innovative programs, modern information technologies are being introduced, constant work is being done to expand the use of electronic management systems, which will ensure the improvement of the quality of public services provided by local governments and the expansion of access. As a result of territorial reforms, it became possible to ensure a significant increase in financial resources, a steady growth of own incomes on an annual basis, mostly high and stable indicators of own income collection.
As a result, communities implement large-scale investment projects in community infrastructure, improve the quality of services provided. Economic activity is increasing and the business environment is improving, the level of communities' resistance to various challenges is increasing.
As a result of the implemented reforms, an opportunity has been provided to deepen the policy of decentralization of powers by assigning greater powers to the local self-government bodies in already formed multi-residential communities, increasing their role in the public administration system.
It is noteworthy that the "Concept of Decentralization of Powers" was signed by the Prime Minister last year on these very days. Now, with our partner departments and with the technical support of international organizations, studies are being carried out to develop justifications for the transfer of specific powers.
The decentralization of powers in Armenia will be an important step for the efficiency of management and the development of the capacities of local self-government bodies.
Congratulating again on the occasion of the holiday, I wish all representatives of the local government success and perseverance in their honorable and responsible work."
