In 2016, WFD launched an initiative with the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia to improve parliaments role in monitoring public finances. In partnership with GIZ’s Public Financial Management in the Southern Caucuses programme, we supported the Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs and the Parliamentary Budget Office. Our work focused on providing analytical information to the legislature, enhancing capabilities to monitor public expenditure and reviewing the implementation of important financial legislation.
The initiative followed from Armenia’s constitutional referendum on 6 December 2015, and decision to move to a fully parliamentary system of government. Within this, the National Assembly plays a central role in the passage of laws, monitoring government and representing citizens. WFD provided technical support as well as engaged our expertise within the ongoing Public Financial Dialogues.
WFD’s work with parliamentary stakeholders assessed the development needs of the Parliamentary Budget Office, which started operating in March 2015, and the institution more broadly. We shared British and international experience on public accounts and monitoring laws. With our support, the Parliamentary Budget Office had its first strategic plan covering 2017-19. WFD also provided support to the parliament in the development of their new rules of procedures, adopted in 2016.
Life in the region of Batken can be hard. Situated in the south west of Kyrgystan, Batken is one of the poorest regions in the country. The population spend most days trying to make a living and when they do get the opportunity to relax, they prefer to watch TV programmes from the neighbouring Tajikistan […]
Governments seeking to close political space have a number of tools at their disposal. One popular tactic is to suppress civil society by restricting foreign funding, controlling registration and imposing onerous reporting requirements. Parliaments often aid and abet executives in this process, even in purportedly democratic states. This paper examines when parliaments protect political space […]
