Gagik Tsarukyan Provides Clarifications on the Statue of Christ

The "Paster" newspaper reports that in recent days, one of the most discussed topics has been the initiative to install a statue of Jesus Christ in Armenia. Gagik Tsarukyan, the leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party, has provided exclusive clarifications to the "Paster" newspaper. Below are his explanations:

A few days ago, the initiative from my family to build a statue of Christ received significant public response. Many supported it, for which I express my gratitude, while many opposed it, presenting arguments, some of which were substantial. I will not respond to malicious gossip. That is uninteresting, but I consider it my duty to address the heartfelt arguments.

So, some say: In these difficult conditions for Armenia, is a statue the most important thing? Are there no other problems? My answer is: Of course, there are many, and they are substantial. But it is also fair to acknowledge that I've never been absent from addressing these problems; I've done and continue to do everything in my power. To be more substantial, let me present some facts:

People need housing. Since 2018, I have initiated a large social housing program. It's a program that allowed 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 dreams of homeownership. And what happened? Artificial obstacles were created, and the social housing program was halted for absurd reasons.

People need jobs. To ensure job security for people, new factories and enterprises need to be built, and new jobs must be created. I can list the enterprises that I have tried to construct, those I had started but were not executed due to artificially created obstacles.

Foreign investments are crucial for Armenia. Yes, absolutely; they are as essential as air and water. Nobody wants to invest in Armenia, and without investments, economic development is impossible. By my authority and through my connections, I brought major investors to Armenia who were willing to invest unprecedented sums. Who seriously engaged with them? Who worked with them? Who was helpful in any aspect? What did these people see? An irreverent attitude and attempts at cheap jokes. They left.

Tourism must be developed in Armenia. The entry of reputable international hotel chains into the country is one of the important steps to enhance the country's tourism appeal. I brought one of the most serious hotel chains to Armenia based on my connections and credibility. Construction began, but it has been suspended for two years now for an artificial, ridiculous reason. Please tell me, what more could I have done that I haven't?

Tens of thousands of people have been treated and educated through the "Tsarukyan Foundation". Many cultural events and festivals have been organized thanks to the "Tsarukyan Foundation", and numerous remarkable sports victories were made possible through my direct support. My family has lent a helping hand to thousands of families in difficult times. Schools, kindergartens, and sports facilities have been built and renovated. Are we denying this?

I will not answer a question suggesting that instead of a statue, I should have helped the army or Artsakh. To what extent I was able to be helpful both before and during the war is not a topic for public discussion. I will not allow myself to do this. However, in Armenia and Artsakh, there are people who know this well.

I would like to specifically address some of the questions raised by the clergy. Having profound respect for the statutes of the Armenian Apostolic Church and acknowledging the role and significance of our church in the life of the Armenian people, I have always stood by our church. Over the years, I have built and renovated seven churches and supported Armenian churches around the world to keep them standing and maintain a strong connection with Armenian communities.

The statue of Christ is not a church. It is a monument that could rise to prominence as an architectural landmark. I am ready to discuss this with our church, to listen to their suggestions and advice. A competition for the statue's design has been announced. Let specialists and architects present interesting solutions and ideas; let there be open discussions, let this truly be a contest of minds and ideas. Is there anything wrong with this?

It is also said that it could only become a tourist attraction. What it becomes will be determined by the people, the Armenians, the Christians, the visitors. And what is wrong with the idea that the statue could help increase tourist flows to our country? Isn't providing tourist flows in the interest of our state? I would also like to inform you that in other countries, this idea has already been received with envy, as they believe that Armenia could attract significant interest from the Christian world.

In conclusion, I would like to once again thank the supporters of this idea and those who have raised reasonable objections. I hope my explanations were convincing. The construction of the statue of Christ is a wish of my family. It will become a symbol of the awakening of hope, light, and ascension in a country that undoubtedly needs it. As for developing our economy, helping the needy, standing by Artsakh, doing charity work, and building schools and kindergartens, I have always done this and will continue to do so. It does not replace the other programs. God protect us all.