Inflation is a global phenomenon, it will continue until the end of the year and also in 2023. Narek Mkrtchyan, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, told this to reporters Tuesday at the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia.

"Our ministry does not have and did not have a mechanism for curbing inflation. We can propose to increase pensions, benefits so that people can approach the [minimum] social basket. But we should not run after inflation to catch up, but rather our financial and economic indicators should enable us to be able to address them," he said.

When asked to what extent are bonuses, purchases of expensive cars, and business trips to exotic countries are justified in Armenia in such social conditions when prices in the country are increasing but pensions are not, the minister responded: "And I had traveled to India [on a business trip]. When we talk about reforms, a reform cannot happen and to do it by inventing the wheel. There is a need to look at the international track-record, there is a need to have cooperation, agreements with other countries at the level of ministries. If we [i.e., Armenia] shut ourselves in our 'cave' and do not come out of there, we will fall behind the world and become a backward nation.

As for the bonuses of the MP, changes can be implemented as a result of the effective work of the NA also. And let the voters give the assessment of the work of the MPs."