The House Democracy Partnership (HDP) is a bipartisan commission of the U.S. House of Representatives that works directly with 22 partner parliaments around the world to support the development of effective, independent, and responsive legislatures. HDP is proudly implemented by the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI). 

This month, HDP is highlighting Gagik Barseghyan, the Coordinating expert and staff Head of the Parliamentary Budget Office in Armenia.

What parliament and chamber are you a staff member of?

I work at National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia as the head of the Parliamentary Budget Office.

What HDP program did you participate in?

I participated in virtual exchanges with the Congressional Budget Office and House Budget Committee in March 2022.

What is your favorite thing about your country?

Armenia is my homeland.

Why did you decide to become a staff member in Parliament?

Firstly, I decided to become a civil servant to produce and deliver public goods to society. In my opinion, Parliament is the place where I can present public needs to policy- or decision- makers. Also, I can help parliamentarians control how the decisions are implemented by the government.

Looking back on the HDP program, what was most impactful for you?

Responsive and effective governance and strengthened democratic institutions are important things for countries’ development. The HDP mission to promote basic processes to emerging legislatures is a very impressive goal.

How are you applying your experience from the HDP mission to your role as staff?

I am going to use the received knowledge on deliverables and budget products prepared by the Congressional Budget Office in my everyday work.

What advice would you give to new parliamentary staff?

I will advise my colleagues to use good opportunities like this one to continue to develop themselves.

What accomplishments in parliament are you most proud of? I have made a great contribution in the field of public financial management, to the introduction and development of certain parliamentary oversight tools, including the establishment of the Parliamentary Budget Office, implementation of discussion mechanisms of oversight and state budget execution reports, the introduction and development of program budgeting, and the capacity building of the National Assembly staff.

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