The mandatory accumulative pension system is inherently a good idea, but it is not for Armenia, a prominent actor, singer Arman Nshanyan told ArmInfo. According to him, the given system would fit the countries where average salary is $2,000-$3,000 and not $100-$200 like it is in Armenia.
"People in Armenia care for every 5,000 drams. This amount covers their transport costs, for instance. Families need this 5000 AMD now and not in 20-30 years," Nshanyan said.
People are discontented not only at the mandatory component of the system but also at the absurd situation following the Constitutional Court's decision of January 24 that suspended some provisions of the Law on the Accumulative Pension until the Court considers its constitutionality on Mar 28 2014. Nevertheless, the Finance Ministry of Armenia urges employers to calculate and make accumulative pension payments and employees to choose a pension fund and a manager for it.
The compulsory accumulative pension system will apply to the citizens born after Jan 1 1974 (the citizens below 40). Starting Jan 1 2014, 5% of their salaries will be transferred to their personal accumulative accounts. The government will transfer a similar amount (but no more than 25,000 drams). The pension reformed sparked large-scale protests in the country. The staffs of such big companies as the South Caucasus Railway, the Electric Networks of Armenia, NPP and others went to street to protect their rights. The most original action of protest was organized by the actors of the Opera and Ballet Theater, who boycotted Anush Opera performance.