Ararat Governor Had No Right to Award Himself Beyond Salary

The Governor of Ararat had no right to award himself beyond his salary. This was stated in an interview with Radio Liberty by the Minister of Territorial Administration and Development, Suren Papikyan.

“It is problematic and highly concerning to exceed the one salary rate in remuneration, regarding which I have had a phone conversation with the governor. The competent authority will take steps or at least provide clarification,” the minister said, noting that the law prohibits the return of bonuses.

Suren Papikyan noted that the Ararat governor could donate his next month’s salary to an orphanage and added that this issue likely arose due to lack of knowledge.

“This issue probably arose because of misinformation or the irresponsible behavior of officials at the lower levels. Today, governors are being criticized by representatives of former authorities who, as they say, were receiving money in envelopes from their superiors every month. Now, when people are working openly and showing that this is the budget of the governor’s office and these are the savings, I am also a public servant of the Republic of Armenia, just like the other civil servants whom I reward ahead of the New Year,” the minister said.

It is worth mentioning that Lilit Makunts, the leader of the My Step faction in the National Assembly, also stated that their law does not prohibit them from rewarding themselves.