Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan justified the payment of large New Year bonuses to officials by citing the need to improve government efficiency and the attractiveness of public service. He stated that this is part of the government's anti-corruption strategy.
"We consider this decision necessary to improve government efficiency," Pashinyan said at a briefing.
Earlier, media reported on a secret bonus order under which Armenian officials received a total of 3 billion drams (approximately $7.8 million). Specifically, ministers received up to 7 million drams ($18,100), their deputies up to 4.5 million drams, department heads up to 3 million, and division heads up to 2 million.
It is noted that a minister's bonus is comparable to 14 years of average pension or eight years of average salary.
