Why Ruben Vardanyan's Invited Rally Did Not Take Place in Stepanakert: 'Hraparak'

«Hraparak» newspaper writes: Ruben Vardanyan, the Prime Minister of Artsakh, has emulated Pashinyan by going live, personally delivering good news to the public first, and engaging in other populist moves. This behavior of Vardanyan has begun to irritate some, who believe that this is why the Prime Minister often makes uncalculated and erroneous statements, occasionally escalating the situation.

One example of this was Vardanyan's recent statement that gas was provided, and by the evening, presumably, the road would be opened as well. He also hurriedly called for a rally in Stepanakert's Renaissance Square on December 17, which he was forced to postpone. He later went live and announced: “We have a problem—how can we make this rally resemble… become like what it was in the early 90s, so that we not only gather but have honest communication between the government and the people.”

“After lengthy discussions—with the president, political forces, and respected others—I understood the formulation... Therefore, we have decided to go to Martakert tomorrow and hold a meeting, communicate with people, and from there it will be clear how and when to hold the rally.”

Our sources in Artsakh say that Vardanyan made the decision for the rally unilaterally, and then he was told that there was a fuel problem—people would not use their reserve gasoline for the rally, and there was no point in holding a rally for a 'galochka' (a term for a ceremonial event). Perhaps the Russians are also against the rally, so Vardanyan started visiting regions to explain their strategy and connect with the people.

For further details, see today's issue of the newspaper.