I Did Not Threaten My Colleagues: Batoyan on Her Election as Health Committee Chair

The deputy from the ruling 'Civil Contract' faction, Zarouhie Batoyan, denied accusations during a press briefing at the National Assembly that she had threatened her colleagues to avoid being elected as the chair of the Health Committee.

“My candidacy was proposed by Hasmik Hakobyan, and I agreed because I thought I would be a good candidate. However, the Civil Contract party made a different decision. There were two candidates, and naturally, one had to be elected while the other did not. There was no pressure, and I did not issue any threats; I couldn’t have done so,” said Batoyan.

She emphasized that she is not offended by her team. When asked about Hripsime Hunanyan's lack of higher education, having only been a nurse, Batoyan responded that any deputy could be elected as a member, vice-chair, or chair of the committee. In response to a clarifying question about who was more deserving, Batoyan stated that she believed in her own qualifications.

She added that she agreed to run because she was confident she had the relevant experience and could work effectively.