That 8 Million Was Very Little: Samvel Balasanyan on Gyumri Day Expenses

The sum of 8 million AMD allocated for the events dedicated to Gyumri Day is very little. This was stated today, August 25, during a conversation with journalists by the Mayor of Gyumri, Samvel Balasanyan.

"That 8 million was very little because, for the sake of a Gyumri resident, that stage with its lighting and screen size reflects some investment from our Gyumri expatriates, who are making gifts for our compatriots in connection with Gyumri Day. We have not particularly paid singers or made unaccounted expenses; the expenses are small - flags and other minimal costs related to actors. It is a very small amount, so I think it is justified," he said.

When asked what has changed in Gyumri, the mayor replied that the most important change has been the mood of the people, adding that currently, 42 projects are being implemented, mostly related to street construction. The mayor believes that the flow of tourists has increased in the city, which will grow further after the construction of the North-South highway.

Regarding why there was no red asphalt on Shiraz street, as the former Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan had proposed to pave the street with it, Balasanyan responded that red asphalt would have turned black after six months. "What is the logic now? To bring something in a bad condition and untested? It is better for it to be tested rather than untested. That's why we decided that it would be this type of asphalt," he said.

It should be noted that today Gyumri is celebrating the city's day. The celebration is themed "City of Masters." The ceremony is attended by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, along with his wife and daughters. High-ranking officials, including National Assembly President Ararat Mirzoyan, Deputy Speaker Alen Simonyan, MPs, and government members, are also in Gyumri. Guests have come from various countries as well.