Gagik Tsarukyan Issues a Statement

The leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party, Gagik Tsarukyan, posted on his Facebook page:

“Some clarifications regarding the statue of Christ.
Days ago, my family's initiative to construct the statue of Christ received widespread public response. Many supported it, for which I express my gratitude, while many others objected, presenting arguments, some of which were well-founded. I will not address the baseless slanders; they are uninteresting. However, I consider it my duty to respond to heartfelt arguments.

So, some say that in the difficult conditions for Armenia, is a statue really the most important matter? Are there not other issues?
To this, I will respond: Of course, there are many issues. But it’s also fair to acknowledge that I have never been detached from their resolution; I have done and continue to do everything I can. To be more substantial, I will present some facts:

People need housing. Since 2018, I have initiated a large-scale social housing construction program—a program that enabled thousands of people to acquire new homes at very affordable prices, without worrying about debts or heavy loans. This program was for ordinary people, to realize their dream of having a home. And what happened? Artificial obstacles were created, and the social housing program was halted for ridiculous reasons.

People need jobs. To ensure people are employed, new factories, new enterprises must be built, and new jobs opened. I can list the enterprises I have tried to build, those I began constructing, but which have not been realized due to artificially created obstacles.

Armenia needs foreign investments. Yes, certainly, as much as air and water. No one wants to invest in Armenia, and without this, economic development is impossible. With my reputation and connections, I brought large investors to Armenia who were willing to invest unprecedented sums. Who seriously engaged with them? Who worked with them? Who was helpful on any issue? What did these people see? Disrespectful attitudes and attempts at cheap humor. Consequently, they left.

Tourism in Armenia must be developed. The entry of reputable international hotel chains is one of the crucial steps to enhance the country's tourist weight. Based on my connections and the trust in my word, I brought one of the most serious hotel chains to Armenia. Construction began but has been halted for two years now for an absurd, laughable reason.

Please tell me, what more could I have done that I haven't already?

Tens of thousands of people have received healthcare, and education funded by the Tsarukyan Foundation. Numerous cultural events and festivals have been conducted with the support of the Tsarukyan Foundation, and many glorious sports victories have been made possible with my direct assistance. My family has lent a hand to thousands of families in difficult times. Schools, kindergartens, and sports complexes have been built and renovated. Is this not enough?

I will not answer the question raised: you could have helped the army or Artsakh instead of the statue. To what extent I have been able to be helpful both before the war and during the war is not a topic for public proclamation. I will not allow myself that. However, in Armenia and Artsakh, there are people who know this very well.

I would like to specifically address the inquiries from the clergy. While deeply respecting the rules of the Armenian Apostolic Church and our church's role and significance in the life of the Armenian people, I have always been beside our church. Over the years, I have built seven churches and restored about two dozen others. I have supported Armenian churches around the world, ensuring they remain upright and maintaining a strong connection with Armenian communities.

The statue of Christ is not a church. It is a monument that can rise high as an architectural landmark. I am ready to discuss this with our church, to listen to their proposals and advice. A competition has been announced for the statue’s design. Let experts, architects present interesting solutions, innovative ideas; let there be open discussions, let there be public discourse. Shouldn’t this truly be a competition of minds and ideas? Is there anything wrong with this?

It is also said that it could become merely a monument of tourist interest. What it will become will be decided by the people, the Armenians, the Christians, the visitors. And what is wrong with that statue helping to increase tourist flows to our country?

Is securing tourist flows not in our state's interest? I would also like to inform you that in other countries, this idea has already been met with envy, considering that Armenia could gain great interest from the Christian world.

In conclusion, I would like to once again thank the supporters of the idea and those who presented well-founded objections. I hope my explanations were convincing.

The construction of the statue of Christ is the wish of my family. It will become a symbol of hope, light, and elevation in a country where our state and the Armenian people undoubtedly need it. As for developing our economy, helping the needy, standing by Artsakh, doing charity work, building schools and kindergartens, I have always done this and will continue to do so. It does not come in place of other programs. God bless us all...”