Government Proposes Pension Increase: Groups Affected Identified

The government approved a draft law on "Provision of Activities, Services, and Social Guarantees for Officials" and related laws during today’s session.

If the package is adopted, the pension security for judges will be aligned with the legal positions expressed in the Constitutional Court’s decision No. SD-1463 of June 18, 2019, as well as unified pension security conditions will be established for prosecutors and individuals holding autonomous positions in investigative bodies.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that this pertains to the pension security of judges, prosecutors, and investigators, and with this package, pensions will be increased to a certain extent, establishing standards.

Pashinyan pointed out that such issues have public sensitivity. He recounted that during a meeting with citizens, one person stated, "There is no justice in this country, there is no fair trial, and you are increasing the salary and pensions of judges and prosecutors."

"I said that precisely for the reason you mentioned, we are taking all these steps, because we have set a goal to ensure institutional development," he said.

Pashinyan mentioned that international research clearly indicates that serious steps have been taken towards establishing an independent judicial system in Armenia, and there are achievements. He stated that this decision has social significance, aims to strengthen the institution of justice, and represents an important political decision.

He added that there will be new salary increases in the judicial system in the near future, and noted that discussions have concluded that the cornerstone of corruption is the low salary of officials.