Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan held a consultation on the funded pension reform, attended by representatives of Prosperous Armenia, Orinats Yerkir, Heritage, ARF Dashnaktsutyun parliamentary groups Tuesday, April 22.

Stressing the importance of political consultations in such a format, the meeting participants emphasized the need for continuity.

The representatives of political parties deemed it necessary to outline ways of open and unconstrained dialogue between the government and parliamentary factions, covering various problematic issues, to promote an atmosphere of mutual trust in the country. Welcoming the cooperation with parliamentary factions, Abrahamyan expressed readiness to carry on the dialogue in a variety of formats.

During the debate, the representatives of political parties expressed their respective positions on the government’s pension reform and made a number of proposals.

The PM reminded that a draft law will soon be released to halt the accrual of fines associated with the funded pension law pending the passage by the National Assembly of a legislative package in accordance with the Constitutional Court’s ruling of April 2, 2014.

The official expressed willingness to continue discussions with MPs and other interested parties in order to achieve a comprehensive solution to the pension system-related problems.

Meanwhile, according to Panorama.am, the Armenian National Congress opposition faction refused to participate in the meeting, citing unwillingness to enter discussions, since their suggestion, sent to the Constitutional Court, demandied abolishment of the mandatory component in the cumulative pension system.

Earlier, Hovik Abrahamyan suggested suspending the exaction of fines under a law on mandatory cumulative pensions.

The government will suggest discussion of the bill during a 4-day parliamentary session to start April 28.