Pensioners’ situation is dire, even 10,000 drams could help – resident of Shirak region

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s statements about not raising pensions continue to spark discontent among pensioners.

Residents of Shirak region note that the condition of pensioners is deplorable, and even an additional 10,000 drams could make a meaningful difference.

“Today almost all pensioners are ill. I personally spend 30–35,000 drams a month just on medicine,” said one respondent.

People emphasized that winters in Gyumri are especially difficult for elderly residents living in shacks.

“In Gyumri, people live in poor social conditions. There are 2,500 families living in shacks—that’s how many people are struggling. Not to mention that everything is expensive: people should at least be able to eat properly and pay their utility bills. But pensions aren’t being raised. I don’t know why they aren’t doing it,” said another respondent.

According to respondents, raising pensions by even 10,000 drams would be an unserious step, and under Armenia’s current conditions, celebrating such a measure would simply be foolish.