MPs Haven't Raised Their Salaries, But Have Quintupled Their Expenses: FIP

In the National Assembly, candidate for the Anti-Corruption Commission, Haykuhi Harutyunyan, posed a rhetorical question in her rebuttal to members of the 'Civil Contract' faction, asking whether there is a conflict of interest when MPs vote to increase their own salaries. She stated, 'Isn't it a conflict of interest to vote on the same bill that raises the salary of an MP?'

Following Harutyunyan’s remarks, Deputy Speaker Hakob Arshakyan responded, asserting that MPs have not raised their own salaries. Arshakyan's statement is technically correct, as there has been no vote in Parliament to increase MPs' salaries. However, FIP.am noted that the Parliament has increased the monthly allowance allocated for parliamentary activities from 50,000 drams to 250,000 drams.

On July 15, 2021, the previous 7th convocation of the Parliament passed a bill amending the law on the remuneration of individuals holding state positions, with 71 votes in favor and none against. At that time, the parliamentary majority, represented by the 'My Step' faction, voted in favor of the bill, thereby quintupled the amount allocated for expenses at the taxpayers' expense.

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