Pashinyan Comments on Large New Year Bonuses for Officials

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.

Последние новости
A case seeking to increase the fine for life-sentenced prisoner Rauf Arashukov has been submitted to the court
Society
A case seeking to increase the fine for life-sentenced prisoner Rauf Arashukov has been submitted to the court
22 February 2026

The Orenburg Regional Court has begun hearing the state prosecution's appeal in the 6-million-ruble bribe case involving former senator Rauf Arashukov. The prosecution is seeking to increase the fine for the former official, who was sentenced to life imprisonment, from 120 million to 420 million rubles.

A memorial plaque has been restored for the 20th time near Anna Politkovskaya's home
Human rights
A memorial plaque has been restored for the 20th time near Anna Politkovskaya's home
22 February 2026

In Moscow, activists have restored a memorial plaque for the 20th time on a building associated with Anna Politkovskaya. The original plaque, which had hung for nearly 20 years on the wall of the journalist's home on Lesnaya Street, was first destroyed on January 18. Since then, activists have repeatedly installed temporary plaques, which were quickly destroyed—usually within less than 24 hours.

Georgian authorities have set very low tariffs for oil transportation from Azerbaijan to Armenia
Politics
Georgian authorities have set very low tariffs for oil transportation from Azerbaijan to Armenia
22 February 2026

Georgia has decided to set a symbolic price for the transit of petroleum products from Azerbaijan to Armenia, the country's Ministry of Economy announced. This move follows a one-time free transit of oil in early December 2025, after which standard tariffs were applied.

A Dagestani teenager is facing trial for
Society
A Dagestani teenager is facing trial for "justifying terrorism."
21 February 2026

In Dagestan, a teenager is facing trial on charges of promoting terrorism. The criminal investigation against the minor has been completed. He is charged with publicly justifying terrorism (Part 2 of Article 205.2 of the Russian Criminal Code), which carries a prison sentence of up to seven years.