Heritage (Armenian: Ժառանգություն, Zharangut’yun) is an Armenian national liberal party. It was founded in 2002 by Raffi Hovannisian, independent Armenia's first Foreign Minister.
Policy and ideology
Support for Liberal democracyEconomyEconomic liberalism"Domestic policy goals are legal reforms, the development of civil society and the economic policy of Armenia. Heritage sates that sustaining the competitiveness of the market helps the Armenian economy grow.""Furthermore, the party believes that reducing poverty and building good social services are very important for the future of Armenia. By taking these measures, Heritage has the objective to reduce emigration from Armenia and stop the “brain drain” from the country."Foreign Affairs"Their foreign policy can be characterised as balanced, but also as pro-Western. The Heritage party underlines the good relationship with Russia, China and India, but sees European integration and cooperation as the key to progress. European integration is not a goal on its own, but rather a tool for improved well-being, prosperity and security. With Turkey, Heritage advocates an open and honest dialogue."Recognition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as an independent state (the party has several times unsuccessfully proposed bills in the parliament that would formally recognize the NKR by the Republic of Armenia)Integration of Armenia into the European Union and ultimate accessionThe party emerged as the fifth largest party in the National Assembly of Armenia after its debut in the 2007 Armenian parliamentary elections. It obtained 7 seats and a popular vote of 5.81%.
In 2012 parliamentary election, Heritage won 5 seats by party-list with 86,998 votes. It is now the smallest faction in the Armenian parliament with Zaruhi Postanjyan as its leader.
