Armenian opposition MP criticizes shorter military service plan

Opposition lawmaker Tigran Abrahamyan has strongly criticized the Armenian government’s decision to reduce the length of mandatory military service, arguing that the armed forces need reinforcement rather than downsizing.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced earlier on Tuesday that the term of compulsory military service would be reduced from two years to 18 months starting from January 1.

Abrahamyan, secretary of the opposition Pativ Unem faction, said the measure would undermine the country’s defense capabilities, even if no new conflict is expected in the coming years.

“Armenia’s armed forces need to be strengthened, not reduced, which is essential for ensuring the country’s security,” he wrote on Facebook.

The MP accused the ruling Civil Contract party of “sacrificing national security for the sake of extending its grip on power” and repeatedly putting political interests ahead of national priorities.