YEREVAN, September 8 – Four members of the Yerevan City Council have resigned from their positions, as announced by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan during a City Council meeting today. The resignations include three members from the ‘Civil Contract’ faction and one from the ‘Mother Armenia’ faction.
Resignations and Replacements
The resigning members are Mikayel Khachatryan, Levon Levonyan, and Natalya Sinoryan from the ‘Civil Contract’ faction, and Mesrop Manukyan from the ‘Mother Armenia’ faction. Their resignations were submitted in accordance with their personal applications.
Mayor Avinyan stated that, according to the Central Electoral Commission’s protocol of July 27, 2026, the mandates of the resigned council members have been transferred to the next candidates on their respective party lists. For the ‘Civil Contract’ party, the new members are Gohar Safaryan, Sergey Apresyan, and Artur Mayrilyan. Karapet Vardanyan will take the place of the ‘Mother Armenia’ party’s resigned member.
Context of the Resignations
The reasons behind the resignations were not explicitly detailed in the announcement. However, such changes in local government bodies are not uncommon and can stem from various factors, including new appointments, personal decisions, or shifts in political strategy.
The Yerevan City Council plays a crucial role in the administration and development of the capital city. Changes in its composition can influence policy-making and the overall direction of urban governance.
Mayor Avinyan’s Recent Statements
During the same City Council session, Mayor Avinyan addressed other pressing issues. He expressed concern about the slow progress of certain initiatives, stating, “Why am I not aware that this process is dragging on so much? I am afraid we will not have a display at COP17.” This comment suggests potential delays in environmental or urban development projects.
Avinyan also highlighted the inadequacy of the city’s waste management infrastructure, noting, “Yerevan’s 225 rented trash cans are very few.” This indicates an ongoing challenge in maintaining urban cleanliness and efficient waste disposal.
Recent Appointments and City Initiatives
Earlier announcements from the Mayor’s office included new appointments within the city administration. In October, Yerevan is set to become a platform for dialogue on nature, city, and people, as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness and community engagement.
The Mayor also recently met with the President of ‘Cipriani Group,’ indicating potential collaborations or investments in the city’s development. Additionally, a former ‘Civil Contract’ parliamentarian, Azaryan, was appointed as the Mayor’s press secretary, signaling a shift in the city’s communication strategy.
These changes and discussions underscore a dynamic period for Yerevan’s local government as it addresses urban challenges and pursues various development initiatives.