Joghovourd: Heated Elections in Gyumri as Samvel Balasanyan and Son Draw Up Plans

"Joghovourd" newspaper reports that the elections for the community leader in Gyumri, Armenia's second-largest city, could be intense. According to the information from "Joghovourd," Mayor Samvel Balasanyan and his son, Misak Balasanyan, have made plans to maintain control over Gyumri.

Misak Balasanyan has already established warm relations with Karen Sarukhanyan, a member of the 'My Step' faction in the National Assembly. Moreover, there are even discussions suggesting that Misak Balasanyan plans to involve Olympic champion Arthur Aleksanyan during the elections, as he is close to the Balasanyans. With Aleksanyan's influence, all potential candidates that pose a threat will be pushed aside, while several compromising materials that Misak holds against Arthur Aleksanyan will be released at the right moment.

This way, only the father, Balasanyan, will remain as the sole candidate. When asked by "Joghovourd" whether he intends to run for the mayoral position for a third time, Mayor Samvel Balasanyan replied, "Isn't it too early to ask such questions? I'm busy paving streets; the political process comes later. You're asking too soon."

"Joghovourd" also spoke with Karen Sarukhanyan, who mentioned, "We are prepared for any political process, but at this moment, I am not supporting anyone." However, all attempts to speak with Arthur Aleksanyan were unsuccessful.