YEREVAN.- Former Armenian presidential candidate who survived an assassination attempt claims he deserves higher compensation than $50,000 allocated by the government.

Paruyr Hayrikyan commented on the government’s decision and heated debates in social networks.

“I have not received the money yet. Surprisingly, there are many ill-wishers. In fact I deserve higher compensation,” he wrote on Facebook.

This week Armenian government decided to allocate around $50,000 to the Health Ministry to pay for the costs of ex-presidential contender Paruyr Hayrikyan’s medical treatment to be conducted abroad. 

Hayrikyan deems it was a right decision to allocate the amount for his treatment.

“Of course, I have a plan to compensate for it (I’ll speak about it due time), but it is not my purpose in life,” he wrote.

The decision sparked heated debates in the social networks. It was noted that Hayrikyan had funds to pay an electoral deposit of 8 million drams and also had a team of numerous supporters who could help him instead of taking money from the budget. It was underscored that many children in need of medical treatment abroad do not receive any assistance.