Deputies complain of their salaries
Armenian parliamentarians do not expect to get a Christmas bonus or the so-called "13th salary" this year. They say their monthly salary of 300 000 drams is not enough to do Christmas shopping.
"Bonuses (which are usually equal to a deputy's salary) are given by a decision of the NA Speaker. I don't know whether anything has been planned for this year or not," said freelance MP Victor Dallakyan.
Republican MP Arman Sahakyan said deputies hadn't received the bonus the previous year either.
Asked whether his salary is enough for New Year expenses, Mr. Sahakyan replied, "I usually see New Year in with my family in somewhere in Armenia. If you have a look at Yerevan shops and supermarkets, I think you will be convinced that people are able to afford everything with their salary. The huge amount of goods makes me think in this way."
On the other hand, the Republican parliamentary underlined that salaries in Armenia are not enough to lead a normal life.
"Then how does a Republican MP live on a salary?" A1+ observed.
"I just have a cultural business and run a studio -"Ardeni".
Minister of Education and Science Armen Ashotyan also spends the holiday in Armenia. He is not content with his salary either. "Since we are a traditional family we always lay a big table full of different Armenian dishes. Many people call on us on holidays. My best gift of the year was my second child," said Mr. Ashotyan.
By the way, the Ministry has economized money to give its employees the 13th salary.
