Pashinyan Addresses Domestic Challenges, Stresses Need for Pragmatic Solutions
During a regular Cabinet meeting on April 12, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed concerns raised by the opposition in parliament regarding the exodus of information technology specialists and a surge in severe crimes. He rebutted these claims by presenting statistics indicating a rise in registered IT workers in February 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Acknowledging the need to enhance the attractiveness of Armenia's technology sector, he affirmed ongoing discussions to formulate policies to achieve this goal.
Regarding the escalation in severe crimes, Pashinyan attributed it partly to legislative amendments, such as initiating criminal cases for all instances of sudden death. He stressed the necessity of bolstering crime-fighting measures to enhance effectiveness.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister addressed challenges in the construction sector, emphasizing the importance of implementing government programs despite encountering hurdles. He underscored the significance of aligning policies with the needs of "Real Armenia" (instead of “Historic Armenia”) and advocated for a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
The government also revised a previous decision to facilitate the implementation of a pilot program introducing an insurance system in the agricultural sector for the 2024 agricultural year. Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan highlighted the necessity of government support due to insurance companies' inability to bear full insurance risks, particularly amid climate change-induced losses.
Pashinyan stressed the importance of the revised decision while emphasizing the need for further improvements. He advocated for mechanisms incentivizing agricultural development to attract insurance and reinsurance companies.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved a bill amending the Law "On Military Service and the Status of Servicemen," aiming to clarify notification procedures for citizens regarding mandatory military service conscription.
Moreover, the government decided to enhance reproductive assistive technologies in Armenia and establish a simulation education center equipped with advanced medical equipment to facilitate practical skill development for future doctors.