If the Goal is Not Gyumri, but the 2026 Parliament, That is Very Bad: Shirak Governor

Gyumri has always been a focal point of intense discussions. This was stated by Shirak Governor Davit Arushanyan during a press briefing following a government meeting. He noted that the pre-election atmosphere in Gyumri is tense.

“As for how pleasant or unpleasant these processes are, the people of Gyumri will speak up. I can say that it is intrinsic to the Gyumri resident to organize elections and discuss matters pertinent to the residents of Gyumri. The elections in Gyumri should be characterized by their goodwill. I will make all possible efforts to ensure that the elections in Gyumri proceed calmly and within the framework of the law,” he said.

According to him, colleagues and other candidates have their own narratives and regularly make political statements. “I reiterate that these political statements should not be personalized and taken into the personal realm. To those forces that have entered Gyumri for political considerations regarding the 2026 elections, and not to organize elections in Gyumri or participate in municipal elections—if the goal is not Gyumri but rather the 2026 National Assembly, that is very bad, because Gyumri, the Gyumri resident, and the position of the mayor of Gyumri should not be used as a playing card for future advantages. I, as a Gyumri resident, find it unacceptable to turn Gyumri and the position of the mayor into a bargaining chip for future dividends, and I am confident that the people of Gyumri see this,” he concluded.