In Armenia, the issue of driver’s licenses being sold has become a long-standing problem. During a recent discussion on road traffic security measures, Sisak Gabrielyan, a member of the Central Council of the Civil Contract Party, highlighted that this corruption still persists, even in developed countries like the United States.

According to Gabrielyan, many Armenians have firsthand knowledge of the process and can provide information about where to go and who to bribe in order to obtain a license. In the past, it was common knowledge that bribes were given and received for licenses, with a staggering 97% of applicants resorting to bribery in certain provinces. Although the percentage has decreased slightly in recent years, bribery is still a significant issue.

Daniel Ioannisian, the program coordinator of the “Our Step” organization, commented on Gabrielyan’s statement, emphasizing that although the percentage may have decreased, it remains a damning reflection of the system. Ioannisian mentioned Aram Ohanyan, the son of the Minister of Defense, as being the head of this problematic section. He clarified that he was not making any accusatory statements but providing an accurate description of the situation.

Gabrielyan further highlighted the escalating prices associated with buying a driver’s license. He mentioned that until 2018, the cost was around 100,000 drams, but it has now risen to approximately 150-180,000 drams. However, there have been reports of prices reaching as high as 400-600-700,000 drams, which clearly indicates a worsening situation in this field.

This ongoing issue of driver’s licenses being sold in Armenia highlights the need for stricter regulations and stronger measures to combat corruption. It is crucial to address this problem to ensure the safety and integrity of road traffic in the country.