PHOTOS: What Were the Chickens Doing in the National Assembly Courtyard?

The "Ahazang" civic initiative held a protest today in the courtyard of the National Assembly against the income tax flat rate bill. They also brought chickens to the Assembly grounds.

According to a statement published on the initiative's Facebook page, they call on the "Bright Armenia" and "Prosperous Armenia" factions not to act against the interests of the majority of society and not to vote in favor of a bill that serves the interests of a narrow group. The authorities are urged to withdraw the proposed amendments to the Tax Code and the Law on Mandatory Pension Insurance.

"We believe that the government is treating Armenian citizens like chickens by presenting a bill that protects the interests of a narrow layer of society as a step towards encouraging higher salaries," the statement reads.

Participants in the protest suggested that lawmakers return home by public transport, shop at small stores instead of large supermarkets, and pay attention to the customers of these shops, or simply roam the suburbs of Yerevan and the regions of Armenia to understand how a few thousand drams can impact the quality of life for 65% of the population living on low income.

It is reminded that Armenia currently operates a three-tier income tax system with rates of 23%, 28%, and 36%, depending on the salary size.

The proposed legislative changes suggest transitioning to a flat income tax system starting July 1, 2019, establishing a unified rate of 23%, with the plan to gradually reduce it to 20% by 2023.