Armenian opposition leader Arman Tatoyan has called for greater involvement of retired professionals in Armenia’s public life, arguing that the country is wasting valuable experience and expertise by marginalising pensioners after retirement.
Speaking during a livestream on Facebook on Monday, the prime ministerial candidate of the Wings of Unity party criticized the prevailing attitude that retirees are no longer useful to society once they begin receiving pensions.
“A person retires and the state effectively tells them: ‘That’s it, go and collect your pension, we no longer need you,’” Tatoyan said. “This approach is wrong.”
He said many teachers, doctors, judges, prosecutors and police officers had dedicated their lives to serving the country, only to later feel “helpless and useless”.
Tatoyan argued that Armenia “cannot afford” to ignore the knowledge and professional experience of older generations, particularly when many retirees remain willing and able to contribute.
He proposed the introduction of state-supported programs aimed at involving pensioners in national development efforts. Veteran teachers, for example, can continue working in educational institutions, mentoring younger colleagues and sharing decades of expertise, he said.
According to Tatoyan, such initiatives would strengthen connections between generations and help build a more inclusive society.
“By helping one another, we will strengthen our state together,” he said.
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