Concerns Raised by Displaced Individuals from Artsakh Over Unaddressed Social Needs: Arthur Khachatryan

During the discussion of the draft state budget for 2024 in the Armenian National Assembly, Minister of Finance Vahe Hovhannisyan was questioned by Arthur Khachatryan, a member of the ‘Armenia’ parliamentary group, regarding the increasing reserve fund of the Republic of Armenia. Khachatryan inquired why the government is accumulating funds, suggesting that this may imply that those funds are merely being ‘dormant’.

“The government always has the opportunity to redistribute budget lines. Just 10 days ago, you came and replaced the threshold from 3 percent to 6 percent, increasing urgent expenses. Does the ‘dormancy’ of 186 billion drams not mean that the government is borrowing, raising taxes and fines, and rendering the people ‘material for fines’, while not knowing how to spend the available funds effectively?” Khachatryan questioned.

Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan noted that during the first reading of the budget, it had been stated that programs for the forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh would be presented in the second reading, along with the necessary increases. “We have now allocated 47 billion drams for this purpose. We have stated that we will reserve the programs we cannot yet implement, and once housing, employment placement, and other projects are ready, we will draw from the reserve,” emphasized the minister.

Khachatryan further indicated that increasing the reserve fund is not necessarily a commendable act, as it may signify a lack of knowledge on how to distribute funds, even if they are intended for good purposes. “As I understand, the previously allocated loan funds for Artsakh will now be directed towards meeting their needs. Since September 19, the government has had ample time to comprehend how to address these people’s needs, as there are currently numerous complaints regarding several unaddressed social needs,” the MP stated.

According to the Minister, the reserves are merely additional buffers to ensure that if risk scenarios materialize throughout the year, we will not be subjected to any shock.