Lori Governor Has a Candidate for Vanadzor Mayor

Conflict that started between Andre Ghukasian, the governor of Lori from the ruling party, and Mamikon Aslanyan, the mayor of Vanadzor from the opposition, is set to escalate and potentially expand in scale. According to circulating rumors in the region, Andre Ghukasian has launched a political campaign against Mamikon Aslanyan ahead of the municipal elections expected next year in Vanadzor, where the authorities have shown loyal intentions towards Aslanyan.

The motivation behind this move is well-known: ensuring that the influential Marukyan family does not take hold of power in Vanadzor. The governor sees his deputy, Gayane Markosyan, as a candidate for the mayoral position and is already drawing comparisons in various circles, arguing that if Ejmiadzin can have a female mayor, why shouldn’t Vanadzor have one?

On the other hand, Mamikon Aslanyan is firmly resolved. He stated in a recent interview with our newspaper that if the authorities do not force him into submission through repressive tactics or bring criminal charges against him, he is ready to run for office again, and he has not hidden his intentions.