Arsen Julfalakyan Resigns from Mandate: The Reason Revealed

The Olympic Games silver medalist, world and European champion, Greco-Roman wrestler, and member of the Armenian National Assembly from the 'My Step' faction, Arsen Julfalakyan, announced on his Facebook page: "Dear compatriots, dear colleagues, I would like to inform you that I have submitted my resignation to the President of the National Assembly, Mr. Ararat Mirzoyan, regarding my parliamentary mandate.

The main reason for this step is the fundamental disagreements I have with the Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport, Arayik Harutyunyan, regarding the current management approaches in the areas under his jurisdiction. I believe that the chosen path lacks prospects and will not ensure the resolution and development of existing issues in these areas. Therefore, in such circumstances, my further activities will not effectively serve my mission of protecting the interests of our state and citizens as a member of the National Assembly.

I must emphasize that during my nearly two years of work in the Legislative Body, I have had effective partnership relations with the political team of 'My Step,' which have been based on mutual respect, professional mature discussions, and dignified approaches. It is very important that during this time, healthy, partnership, and even friendly relationships have developed, and we have been committed to fighting for the resolution of existing problems.

It is an honor that I had the opportunity to serve my homeland also in a legislative capacity, and I would like this step of resigning from my mandate to be viewed as part of that service, as another important, concerning signal that developments in the fields of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport are mainly moving in the wrong direction, professional opinions of representatives in these fields are not taken into account, short-term and long-term visions for the development of these fields are lacking, changes lack necessary speed and logic, and personnel policies are often unclear and personalized. The failures of this ministry have been frequently discussed in post-revolutionary Armenia, so I will not elaborate further.

I thank the President of the National Assembly, the departments and officials (including those from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport) with whom it was possible to work effectively during this time to tackle existing problems. To the objective and impartial media outlets that covered all of this. And of course, I thank the citizens of Armenia and the trust shown by the 'My Step' alliance.

Respectfully, P.S. The media may use this statement as I do not see the appropriateness of elaborating further on this topic at this time."