NA affirmed the minimum wage
According to the change made in the RA Law on "Minimum Wage" presented by the government, the minimum wage in Armenia must make up 32,500 drams. Based on the government's calculations, today the minimum consumer basket makes up 43,000 drams.
"You are contradicting yourselves," ARF MP Artsvik Minasyan said to a government official at the National Assembly today. He announced that the ARF will vote against the changes.
On behalf of "Heritage", Armen Martirosyan informed that the party will absolutely not take part in the vote since they had presented a draft change in the same law before the government.
"We find that the minimum wage must be at least 45,000 drams. A minimum wage of 32,500 drams is ridiculous," said Stepan Safaryan.
The NA adopted the government's draft law without any serious discussion.
Head of the HHK (Republican Party) faction Galust Sahakyan told "A1+" that he didn't deny the fact that it is impossible to live with 32,500 drams.
"According to our calculations and the economic growth rates, that is the coefficient that is possible today."
BHK faction MP Naira Zohrabyan says it would be dishonest to say that people can live with 32,500 drams a month. "As a deputy with a family, I can say it is impossible to live with 50,000 as well. However, I don't understand why my fellow deputies have decided to not vote for the law because the minimum wage is not raised by the necessary amount. That is all that the government can do now."
"Heritage" is certain that the government can set more than 32,500 drams. "We have clearly stated how that money can be given in our draft, but this change will increase the number of poor people. People will only be able to buy low-quality food, but they have to make communal payments as well," said Larisa Alaverdyan.
Can deputies live with the set minimum wage? In response, Mrs. Alaverdyan said: "I have raised that issue several times and have not received a response."
