New Community Mergers Proposed

The National Assembly discussed a package of amendments to the law on administrative-territorial division and related laws in its first reading. During the parliamentary session, the package was presented by Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Arnak Avetisyan.

According to the proposal, a consolidated community will be formed in the Lori Province, which will include the communities of Stepanavan, Gyulagarak, and Lori Berd, encompassing 20 settlements. In the Syunik Province, it is planned to merge the communities of Goris, Tatev, and Tegh, creating the Goris consolidated community with 28 settlements. In the Vayots Dzor Province, it is planned to combine the communities of Yeghgneadzor, Areni, and Yeghgis, forming a new Yeghgneadzor consolidated community with 32 settlements.

Arnak Avetisyan reported that the programs involve 9 communities and 80 settlements, from which 3 new communities will be created. Upon the completion of this phase, the total number of communities in Armenia will reach 64. Yerevan, Gyumri, and 5 communities populated by national minorities will retain their non-consolidated status. If the proposed laws are adopted, local council elections in the mentioned communities will take place in the autumn of 2026.