ArmInfo. Judging by the draft state budget of Armenia for 2026, there will be no "shortage of asphalt" in the election year. This is the conclusion made by economist and former head of the RA State Revenue Committee, David Ananyan, after studying the planned allocations to the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure (MTAI).
"The figures speak for themselves. Specifically, compared to the 2025 budget allocations (289.15 billion drams), the MTAI budget for 2026 envisages allocations of 325.09 billion drams, an increase of approximately 35.9 billion drams, or 12.4%. At first glance, it may seem a positive trend, as capital expenditures are increasing. However, a closer look reveals that the focus is not on long-term strategic infrastructure, but on quickly implemented programs," Ananyan wrote in his Facebook post.
For instance, the 2026 budget allocates over 100 billion drams for road construction and repair programs. Specifically: Major repairs of interstate and national roads - 49 billion drams - Medium repairs - 5.09 billion drams - Kajaran-Agarak section - 26.4 billion drams - Kajaran tunnel and access roads - 10.4 billion drams - Sisian-Kajaran section - over 13 billion drams. However, the share of other infrastructure projects is significantly smaller. - Urban infrastructure - 16.6 billion drams - Water supply and sanitation - 9.9 billion drams - Energy system development - 2.8 billion drams. -
So, it is obvious, that the main emphasis is on routine repairs and road paving. The reason is clear: 2026 is an election year. Asphalt paving, routine road repairs, and pothole repairs are a "quick result" presented to the public, a noticeable change that can be portrayed as a success. However, strategic infrastructure-reservoirs, new energy capacity, technological and engineering projects that take many years-remains in the background.
Thus, the MTAI budget for 2026 has increased in numbers, but in content, it's a pre-election budget with an emphasis on asphalt and short-term "visible" programs. Should Armenia build its future on asphalt or strategic infrastructure?, the economist asks.
