Video: There Should Not Be Cheap Labor in Armenia, Says Pashinyan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that there is a perception that everyone is chasing high salaries, trying to portray those who receive higher wages as a social stratum, implying that they are the wealthy. He emphasized that no one in Armenia has become wealthy from a salary.

This statement came during his response to MP Gevorg Papoyan from the My Step Alliance, who inquired about the development of the economy and income tax on salaries.

Pashinyan disagreed with the notion that the government is pursuing an incorrect social policy.

"What is Armenia's strategic vision? Excuse my bluntness, there should not be cheap labor in Armenia. There should be a highly qualified workforce that earns high wages. Yes, we are lowering income tax for high salaries to convey this message. On one hand, we say we want to become a high-tech country, and on the other hand, we impose so many taxes on high salaries in the technology sector that no one wants to invest in Armenia," he said.

Pashinyan expressed strong disagreement with those supporting the notion of an 80,000 dram salary. "We must encourage our people to pursue education and enhance professional skills. No one in Armenia should think that they can work for 80,000 drams," he concluded.