YEREVAN. – The Government of Armenia has allocated 5 billion drams (about US$10,273,300) to the provinces from the reserve funds, and to resolve urgent matters, reported Zhoghovurd (People) newspaper.

“It is no coincidence that the executive [branch of power in the country] has been so generous toward the provinces.

“The parliamentary elections are ahead, and this means that the authorities are attempting to woo the people.

“[But] seeing what projects the 5 billion drams will be spent on, it can be argued that most of the money will flow into the pockets of bureaucrats, in the form of ‘kickbacks’ and ‘primitive theft [i.e. in the PM’s words],’” wrote Zhoghovurd.