Armenian families struggle to afford utilities and medicine as officials receive hefty bonuses

Social media platforms in Armenia are increasingly filled with pleas for basic assistance, as many families say they can no longer afford food, medicine, or utility bills amid rising living costs.

Numerous posts describe urgent requests for help paying heating and gas bills during the winter months. Some specifically mention households with young children. In one post, a parent pleads for assistance to pay for gas, saying they are unable to heat their home while caring for three children. 

Other users report difficulties affording essential medicines or even daily food, warning that they are facing severe hardship during the coldest months of the year.

The growing hardship has sparked criticism, particularly over the stark contrast between the struggles of ordinary citizens and large bonuses awarded to senior government officials.

Recently, the prime minister awarded himself a bonus of 18 million drams, while ministers and MPs were also granted bonuses amounting to millions of drams.