December 15, 2025 - 15:14 AMT
Minister: no plan to raise retirement age

Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan has officially denied rumors suggesting that the government intends to raise the retirement age in Armenia. Writing on Facebook, Torosyan called the speculation false and misleading.

“I officially declare: we are not planning to raise the retirement age,” he wrote.

Torosyan accused certain groups of using hybrid tactics to spread fear and panic among the public. He referenced claims that the government was considering a change based on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s comments in parliament about people still being able to work at 63 or 65.

“It’s true that modern science and medicine allow us to live longer and remain healthier, and yes, work longer too. Today, tens or even hundreds of thousands of Armenians work happily and productively in that age range,” Torosyan said.

“I wish everyone good health. But let me state again: we are not planning to raise the retirement age. This is an outright lie,” he added.

Note: Armenia’s current legislation grants age-based pensions to individuals aged 63 and above with at least 10 years of work experience. Those aged 65 without pension eligibility may receive old-age benefits.

Earlier, during a parliamentary committee session, Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan had explained that citizens aged 63–65 were not included in the list of beneficiaries under the new Universal Health Insurance Law, citing budgetary constraints for 2026. The proposal will be revisited in 2027.