Pashinyan says $4.2 billion added to state budget since 2018

PanARMENIAN.Net - Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, presenting the progress of the Armenian government’s 2021-2026 program for 2024, emphasized that according to this year’s data alone, the country’s state budget revenue has increased by more than 1.3 trillion drams—over $3.3 billion at current exchange rates.

He noted that this amount represents the additional funds collected into the state budget in 2024 alone following the revolution. Between 2018 and 2024, over 1.684 trillion drams—equivalent to $4.2 billion—have been added to the budget, according to 1lurer.am .

“It should be emphasized that even in the years before the peaceful, non-violent Velvet Revolution, Armenia’s state revenues were growing, and no one can deny that. But the 2018 revolution accelerated this growth. Regardless of the average numbers, it is solely thanks to the pace set by the revolution that the state budget received an additional 1.684 trillion drams or $4.2 billion from 2018 to 2024. I repeat—this is more than the average budget increase during the preceding period, especially between 2011 and 2017. So, in the seven years following the revolution, Armenia’s budget has gained an extra $4.2 billion—and this includes the years marked by COVID, the pandemic, and war,” he stated.

Pashinyan clarified that this amount does not include state debt or transfers from the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund. It refers strictly to the net state revenue recorded after the revolution.

“I also say this in response to criticism that our government came to power through a revolution and then forgot the promise to return stolen assets. Well then, dear people, did this $4.2 billion fall from the sky?” he added.