Citizens take loans to have abundant food on their tables (video)
It has become a tradition in Armenia to take debts or loans ahead of the New Year holiday season since wages are not enough to lay an abundant table. Besides, the prices of the main products, including meat, vegetables and fruit, usually go up during this season. “Instead of bringing down the prices and announcing Christmas sales, salespeople run after profit making use of the demand of certain goods,” a Yerevan citizen told A1+. “If a person cannot afford to buy everything with his salary how can he repay the loan?” said another. “Many cut their expenses and make savings, others run into debts,” said a third respondent. “Maybe you just need to work better.” Given the high rates of unemployment, low wages, the grave economic situation many think that New Year celebrations have become sheer luxury for many families who want to impress their friends and relatives with their sumptuous table. "We receive help from foreign countries, ask for their grace to be able to lay tables, but why?” said another citizen. “Go to Yerevan City supermarket in Nor Nork administrative district and you will find people sitting there and offering AMD 200 000 to buyers who will do their New Year shopping from the supermarket. People do not have cash money and are forces to buy products from Samvel Alexanyan’s supermarket making him richer and fatter.” The prices of certain products have gone up in certain shops and markets which is another concern for our citizens. Despite the difficulties, most of our respondents said everyone gets ready for the holiday regardless of their social status. At the same time, they stressed that they would like to celebrate the holiday in a pleasant environment rather than around abundant tables.
