Armenian businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan pledged sweeping reforms to the country’s military and education system if elected prime minister in the June 7 parliamentary elections.
Karapetyan, the leader of the Strong Armenia party, said his government would reduce compulsory military service to one year and provide salaries to conscripts. He also promised to modernize the armed forces with new equipment and make higher education free of charge.
“We will build a new Armenia — the safest country — and strengthen the army with modern weapons. Military service will be one year and conscripts will be paid,” Karapetyan declared on Saturday.
He criticized Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s record, claiming poverty had doubled in Pashinyan’s native Tavush Province. “At least for his own province, he could have had the brains to do something,” Karapetyan said.
—
Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Albert Nalbandian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.
Direct link to this article: https://www.armenianclub.com/2026/05/23/samvel-karapetyan-pledges-one-year-military-service-free-education-in-armenia/