In the First Half of This Year, the Poverty Rate in the Country May Reach About 30%. Possible Delays in Pensions, Salaries, and Benefits, Says 'Fact'

The newspaper 'Fact' reports that according to experts, the crisis caused directly by the coronavirus, the recent war in Artsakh, and the fruitless and contentless activities of the Armenian authorities (some believe, inactivity), continues across all sectors, including the socio-economic field. Many economists have reiterated in conversations with us that the current situation will lead to a sharp increase in the poverty threshold in Armenia.

Moreover, in their opinion, we are heading down that path directly. It is already evident that there is considerable inflation in the consumer market, which will primarily impact the disadvantaged segments of society.

As is known, the poverty level in Armenia in 2019 was 26.4 percent of the total population. The statistics for 2020 have not yet been published, but some experts believe that the 2020 figure will be even higher. Additionally, it is forecasted that already in the first half of this year, it may reach approximately 30 percent, possibly even higher.

This is compounded by the fact that many experts believe that if this continues, we may see delays in pensions, salaries, and benefits starting in April, with consequent negative repercussions. According to our sources, this information has been conveyed to Nikol Pashinyan, who has reportedly become quite nervous, urging to publish the annual reports as late as possible, and if possible, to present the figures in such a way that they bear no relation to reality and 'prove' that everything in the country is wonderful.

For more details, refer to today’s edition of the newspaper.