Honorary Titles Abolished in Armenia: Parliament Passed the Bill

Honorary titles will be abolished in Armenia. The package of amendments to the law on "State Awards and Honorary Titles of the Republic of Armenia" and related laws was adopted in the National Assembly in the first reading with 64 votes in favor and 31 against.

Currently, there are 17 honorary titles established by existing legislation, including those for People's Artist, People's Painter, Honored Figure of Arts, Honored Figure of Culture, Honored Journalist, and others. The draft law proposes to cancel these honorary titles, retaining only the title of "Honored Collective," as it is awarded to a group rather than an individual. Previously granted titles will continue to be valid.

The justification for the draft states that these titles are outdated and have a negative impact on healthy competition and even on the moral-psychological atmosphere. The Ministry of Justice, which presented the bill, pointed to the experience of progressive countries where the institution of honorary titles does not exist.

The Ministry assures that the cancellation of honorary titles does not mean the state will cease to incentivize individuals for their work; there will still be sector-specific awards. It is worth noting that the opposition opposed the bill.