Defense Minister Suren Papikyan does not agree with the view that the shortening of the term of mandatory military service in Armenia is a way for the ruling Civil Contract Party to gain votes ahead of the parliamentary election in the country in 2026.

“We took into account the reactions of our public. If the change in the law were to take place starting in June, it would be unfair for those going to the army after January 1. Our calculations were allowing us to do it earlier, and by responding to the requests of our citizens… it became clear to us as well that it would be much more correct if we do it from January 1. We reached that decision, and the prime minister announced it,” Papikyan told reporters in the National Assembly on Monday.

And in response to reporters’ questions about whether a salary increase is planned for Armenia’s military officers starting January 1, the defense minister replied: “The attestation system has been introduced, it is underway. I believe there can be no better opportunity for a salary increase.”