Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has announced a planned increase in housing aid for displaced Nagorno-Karabakh refugees ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections in June. The decision, unveiled on Wednesday, involves a boost to the state housing program, targeting Armenian refugees seeking homes near Yerevan. Pashinyan stated the implementation would occur within one to two months, retroactive to existing certificates issued to affected communities.
The assistance will rise from ֏3 million ($8,000) to ֏4 million ($11,000) per family in adjacent communities. However, allocations for Yerevan itself will remain unchanged, aligning with the government’s strategy to encourage settlement outside the capital. The housing program, approved in May 2024, has faced criticism from beneficiaries who allege the government has not adequately addressed their needs.
Despite adjustments, many complaints persist regarding the program’s effectiveness. Pashinyan’s move to increase housing aid is part of a broader strategy to bolster support before the elections. Alongside this, plans have been announced to increase pensions by up to ֏10,000 ($27) starting in April, and provide bonuses to state servants.
Opposition groups accuse the government of pre-election bribery. Since almost the entire population of Nagorno-Karabakh, over 100,000 Armenians, fled following Azerbaijan’s offensive in 2023, approximately ֏145 billion ($384 million) has been allocated from the state budget. Concerns remain about the program’s reach, with only 1,700 families having benefited so far, according to former State Minister Artak Beglaryan.
He criticized the decision as “incomplete and belated,” anticipating a negative reaction from the real estate market. Former Minister Hayk Khanumyan suggested a more effective approach, advocating for direct engagement with Artsakh Armenians and the development of new, impactful programs. As of February, around 15,000 refugees have departed Armenia, reflecting ongoing challenges for those resettled.
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Nikol Pashinyan’s move demonstrates a shrewd political strategy.