Under Whose Advice is Artak Tovmasyan Entering Politics: 'Zhoghovurd'

Despite the lack of political parties in Armenia, there are still individuals—especially those with financial resources—who seek to participate in the country's political processes. On December 7, 2020, businessman Artak Tovmasyan, owner of the ‘Dvin’ hotel in Yerevan, announced his intention to create a new political force in Armenia.

A man who has spent most of his life in Crimea has decided to become an opposition force in Armenia, as he is dissatisfied with the political course of the current authorities. It should be noted that he has served as the honorary consul of the Republic of Armenia in Crimea and was an advisor to the Minister of Transport of Ukraine.

The newspaper 'Zhoghovurd' is interested in who advised Tovmasyan to enter the Armenian political arena: could it be well-known figures from the Russian Federation, or perhaps his son who works at the National Security Service of Armenia? We attempted to get answers to these questions directly from Artak Tovmasyan. Throughout the day we called, but the newly emerged political figure did not respond. Later, his press representative got in touch with us, promising to answer a few of our questions during the day. By the end of the working day, it became clear that the new party leader decided to hold a press conference.

Thus, if we hadn't sent questions, no press conference would have been called. Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that Artak Tovmasyan has significant connections with the former authorities of Armenia. In April 2015, former police chief Vladimir Gasparyan awarded him a medal for strengthening cooperation, and former president Serzh Sargsyan was also present at Artak Tovmasyan's 50th anniversary in September 2016.