The Armenian government plans to introduce radical changes to the funding mechanisms for political parties, non-governmental organizations and media outlets starting January 1, 2027. This was announced by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on November 2 at a joint session of the National Assembly’s standing committees during discussions of the draft state budget for 2027.

According to him, the introduction of the universal income declaration system will allow citizens to make donations directly to these organizations from the income tax they have paid.

According to the prime minister, the system’s operating principle is based on universal income declarations.

“After completing and confirming their universal income declarations, citizens will be able to make donations to political parties, non-governmental organizations and media outlets from the income tax they have paid,” Pashinyan noted.

In the prime minister’s assessment, this innovation will play a decisive role in ensuring the autonomy of the political system, developing NGOs and securing the financial independence of media outlets.

“Although financial flows to these organizations are not expected to be significant in the first year after implementation, success will nevertheless depend largely on the organizations’ own efforts and their willingness to earn citizens’ trust. Establishing this system will help create a more independent, state-oriented and citizen-centered political system, strengthening the foundations of democratic institutions,” Nikol Pashinyan said.