The State Must Subsidize Mandatory Testing: Robert Kocharyan

The second President of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan, made a post on his Facebook page regarding mandatory testing and vaccinations, stating:

“The newly proposed restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus and the amendments to the Law on Public Service have become a subject of broad public discussion. The approach that vaccination is effectively becoming compulsory cannot stem from the supremacy of law, even with genuine health intentions. Vaccination should be a conscious decision of each individual, not a consequence of coercion. The public must be presented with detailed and transparent information on both the positive and potential negative consequences.

At the same time, the approach that mandates a fee every 15 days for those refusing vaccination to provide a test result is an outrageous, disproportionate, and illegal action, further demonstrating the current government's tendency to evade its responsibilities and place the burden on the people. It is also unacceptable to suggest a differentiated approach towards political positions (President, Prime Minister, Ministers, and Members of Parliament).

Along with the mandatory requirement for testing, the state must subsidize the associated costs.”