ArmInfo.If the transfer to the funded pension system in Armenia is not implemented, the burden on the state budget will increase, which in future is fraught with increased taxes. The head of Research Center "Alternative", economist Tatul Manaseryan expressed opinion on June 26 at the press conference.
"The public should have a clear idea of the consequences if there is no transition to a funded pension system. Everyone knows that we are an aging nation because of the migration of young people. There are more people of retirement age in the country than young people, hence, the burden on paying pensions also increases, "he said. The economist explained that in this case the state will have to go on increasing taxes, and this will further exacerbate the situation in the country and increase the flow of migrants.
In this regard, he cited the example of Chile, where the introduction of the new pension system has solved a number of serious problems in the state, although initially the public was somewhat skeptical about the transition. As a poor state in Latin America, about 80 countries, including developed countries such as the United States, Japan, etc, borrowed the Chilean model. In the first 5-10 years the system yielded results - the savings and state incomes doubled, of which the state paid pensions and solved a number of social problems. "We will not be able to develop the economy unless social issues are resolved. GDP growth can not be more important than the level of income, which is the basis for economic development and investment flows, "he stressed.
At the same time, the economist indicated that those who oppose changes are engaged in manipulation. "These are the same people who destroyed the economy of Armenia in the 90s. Expressing their personal views, they argue that this system is so bad that for 45 years, whence they take this figure is also unclear, these funds will disappear irrevocably from the state treasury, which in turn will increase the poverty level in the country. According to them, every year the budget will lose about 5-6% of investments, and as a result, there will not be enough funds to pay pensions, "he said. According to T. Manaseryan, such an approach on the part of false experts is dishonest and is nothing more than manipulation, which pursues one goal - instill fear among the masses.
At the same time, the economist does not exclude the risks associated with the introduction of a funded pension system, in particular foreign exchange, domestic political shocks, etc. The expert named the uncertainty due to the lack of such experience as the biggest drawback. "This is a completely new model, and it is very important that the expert community correctly explain the reasons for concern to the public, and not manipulate, giving incorrect conclusions. The main thing is to be honest and through discussions, to develop a model, taking into account the national interests of the country, "the economist stressed. People, according to Manaseryan, need to explain that pension funds and deposits carried out by them are insured, and ordinary citizens will not lose their savings.
