Armenian opposition MP urges increase of contract soldiers’ salaries

Opposition lawmaker Anna Grigoryan has called for higher wages for contract soldiers, saying it is “unacceptable” for them to earn less than patrol police officers.

Speaking at parliamentary debates on a bill to shorten mandatory military service from 24 to 18 months in Armenia, Grigoryan, an MP from the Hayastan faction, stressed that a professional army should rely on contract soldiers. She questioned what incentives, including pay, are being offered to encourage citizens to join the military.

“Considering the risks and challenges of military service compared to working as a police officer in central Yerevan, raising the base salary is imperative,” the MP said.