Tensions Rise in Abovyan as Mayor and Regional Governor's Relations Deteriorate

According to information from the newspaper «Zhoghovurd», the situation in Abovyan is escalating day by day in connection with upcoming municipal elections. Our sources indicate that Kotayk Governor Romanos Petrosyan already has a candidate, which has become a source of tension with the current mayor, Vahagn Gevorgyan, leading to a 'remote arm wrestling' scenario.

It is noteworthy that there is no unified candidate from the ruling party for the Abovyan mayoral elections. Yesterday, «Zhoghovurd» spoke to Kotayk Governor Romanos Petrosyan about these issues.

- Mr. Petrosyan, have you already decided who your candidate will be in Abovyan?

- By decision of the board, we have put forward our candidate, Grigor Boryan, a member of the Abovyan municipal structure.

- In your opinion, is he known in Abovyan? Will he be elected?

- He is known for his integrity, professionalism, and ideological stance within the political team. He embodies our values and, most importantly, he has been at the roots of our party and has always been involved in political struggles. He has many years of experience in local self-government, having worked for several years in one of the departments of the Yerevan city hall as deputy and chief financier. Additionally, he has worked for three years in the Abovyan city hall.

- According to our information, there is a tense situation in Abovyan, and emotions are running high regarding the mayoral elections. Your 'conflict' is also with the current mayor. What is really happening?

- I do not record any escalation of tensions per se; everything is proceeding as it should. There have been criminal proceedings initiated regarding the facts raised against the powers of the current mayor's team as a result of administrative oversight. A case is currently being investigated in the Abovyan division of the Kotayk regional administration. If you are linking that to the escalation of tensions, we are monitoring the situation to ensure the process aligns with the norms of a legal state.