The KP Has Two Paths: What Awaits After the Resignation

As expected, Mayor Hrachya Sargsyan resigned last evening. He made the announcement during a working meeting convened at the Yerevan City Hall, adding that he will continue to be a member of the political team.

It was evident that Sargsyan was quite emotional while announcing his resignation, struggling to articulate his words and speaking breathlessly. According to the newspaper 'Zhoghovurd', this decision by Hrachya Sargsyan came as a surprise to both Nikol Pashinyan and the entire ruling Civil Contract (KP) party.

Sargsyan had not been in contact with his colleagues from the 'My Step' faction in the council for a significant period, leaving them in an uncertain state. Yesterday, when the media reported on his resignation, he had gone missing.

We learned that the former mayor had hinted at his intention to leave several times, but made the final decision this week without clearly informing his colleagues.

The decision caught even Pashinyan off guard, who just days prior had expressed confidence in a press conference that the mayor would not resign.

In essence, Pashinyan was not pleased with Sargsyan's departure, as he had obediently complied with all their decisions throughout his tenure.

According to reports, KP candidate Tigran Avinyan created a situation within the mayor's office that prompted Sargsyan to leave voluntarily, as he understood that Sargsyan's popularity was increasing ahead of the council elections.

Thus, following the mayor's resignation, the KP has two paths: either it must call for extraordinary council elections, or elect one of the council members as an interim official until the next council elections.