‘Zhoghavorud’. The Minister of Social Affairs Distributes Positions to Close Friends and Relatives

‘Zhoghavorud’ newspaper reports: “Following the principle of family-friends-acquaintances creates problems,” said Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on more than one occasion. However, it seems that his words have not been interpreted well or directly by the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Zaruhi Batoyan. The ‘Zhoghavorud’ newspaper has learned that the Minister has recently been engaged in personnel changes within the ministry.

Specifically, the minister has dismissed Artak Grigoryan, the head of the ministry’s staff, and his responsibilities are now being carried out concurrently by Stepan Machyan, the head of the financial and economic accounting department. Notably, S. Machyan is the brother-in-law of Batoyan’s sister’s husband.

Additionally, she has appointed representatives from the “Bridge of Hope” NGO, which she previously established and led, to various positions within the ministry. For several days now, ‘Zhoghavorud’ has been trying to speak with the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Zaruhi Batoyan, but she has not responded to phone calls. Ultimately, we sent written questions to her press secretary, Sona Martirosyan, and in response, our information was confirmed that Stepan Machyan holds two positions within the ministry and is related to Minister Batoyan by family ties.