The package, endorsed by the government two months ago, was scheduled for discussion at the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs on November 13. But committee chairwoman Arusyak Julhakian said the government had requested that the debate be postponed for up to two months to allow for “further improvements” to the proposed legislation.
Julhakian and another lawmaker from the ruling Civil Contract party, Hasmik Hakobian, sitting on the same committee, said various government agencies had submitted proposals concerning the package and that additional discussions were therefore necessary.
They dismissed suggestions that the postponement was prompted by financial constraints or concerns about a possible public backlash.
“There is no need to look for intrigue,” Hakobian said.
Under the proposed changes, the prime minister’s monthly salary will increase by nearly 70 percent and the president’s by over 60 percent, with both reaching 2.6 million drams ($7,200).
Cabinet ministers’ salaries would double to 2 million drams ($5,500) a month, while the parliament speaker and lawmakers would receive 2.5 million drams ($6,900) and 1.5 million drams ($4,100), respectively, representing increases of between 70 and 80 percent.
The changes would also apply to other civil servants, whose salaries would be adjusted based on revised pay coefficients.
Under the package, the planned salary increases for senior officials and civil servants would not affect their existing bonus payments.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has justified the proposed increases by arguing that higher salaries would help combat corruption and improve the efficiency of public administration.
The reform is expected to cost the state budget an additional 35 billion drams (about $96.5 million). The increases were originally scheduled to take effect on January 1, but the postponement of parliamentary discussions could push back that timetable.
The delay comes after the government recently reversed another controversial initiative involving state benefits. Earlier this week, Labor and Welfare Minister Arsen Torosian announced that the government had abandoned plans to restrict funeral allowances to socially vulnerable families following public criticism and discussions with ruling party lawmakers.