Armenian economist questions timing of pension increase

An Armenian economist and opposition member on Wednesday questioned the timing and rationale of a newly announced pension increase, following a decision by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to raise payments starting April 1.

Hayk Farmanyan, a PhD in economics and a member of the Strong Armenia party founded by businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan, said the government had yet to explain why the increase was only being implemented now if it had previously been financially feasible.

“If it was possible to raise pensions, why wasn’t it done earlier? Did pensioners suddenly ‘learn how to spend money properly’? What has changed in state thinking?” he wrote on Facebook.

Farmanyan also questioned the timing of the move, asking why the increase would take effect specifically from April 1 and whether the decision was linked to electoral processes.

“Is this an election calculation? Can this be considered an alternative form of 'vote-buying' using budget funds?” he wrote.

Farmanyan further referred to Samvel Karapetyan, suggesting that if Karapetyan, without holding public office, could influence the agenda and “force” a pension increase, broader social policy changes would be carried out if he came to power.