Arshak Sargsyan: Citizens Are Not Slaves, Those Receiving Bonuses Should Clean the Snow
Yerevan, January 25, 2026 – Arshak Sargsyan, a member of the ‘Mother Armenia’ faction of the Yerevan Council, today voiced strong criticism against the city authorities regarding snow removal efforts. In a Facebook post, Sargsyan challenged the notion that citizens should be expected to clear snow from the streets, especially when officials are receiving bonuses.
Criticism of City Authorities and Youth Movement
Sargsyan directly addressed a young appointee, whose ‘first job was to become a Civil Contract Party member,’ for urging citizens to contribute to snow removal. “P. Galjyan, the people are not your slaves; you both rob them and tell them to come and clean the snow,” Sargsyan wrote, emphasizing the public’s financial contributions through taxes.
He further elaborated, “Young man, the people have not just invested their small contribution, but they have put thousands of drams for that snow removal, for you to clean (taxes, duties…).” This statement highlights the public’s expectation that their taxes should cover such municipal services, rather than being asked to perform the labor themselves.
Accusations of Mismanagement and Corruption
Sargsyan accused the authorities of mismanaging funds and increasing taxes to the point where citizens feel compelled to remove them from power. “You have raised taxes so much, turning them into plunder, that the people have no choice but to remove you from power, which you could not manage,” he stated.
The core of his argument rests on the principle that public servants, especially those receiving bonuses, should be responsible for the services funded by taxpayers. “Those receiving bonuses should come and clean,” Sargsyan asserted, implying that the burden of public service should fall on those who benefit most from the public purse.
Broader Implications for Governance in Armenia
This incident reflects a broader sentiment of discontent among some segments of the Armenian population regarding governance, transparency, and the allocation of public funds. The debate over snow removal, a seemingly minor issue, has become a focal point for expressing deeper frustrations about perceived inefficiencies and injustices within the local administration.
The ‘Mother Armenia’ faction, of which Sargsyan is a member, frequently engages in critical discourse against the ruling Civil Contract Party, often highlighting issues related to public service, economic policy, and social justice. Such public statements aim to mobilize public opinion and pressure authorities to address these concerns.
The current weather conditions in Yerevan, with temperatures ranging from -3°C to -5°C today and an expected -2°C tomorrow, underscore the practical importance of efficient snow removal for daily life in the city. The lack of effective municipal response to such basic needs often fuels public criticism and demands for accountability.
This ongoing discussion between public officials and opposition figures like Sargsyan is a testament to the dynamic political landscape in Armenia, where social media platforms like Facebook serve as crucial arenas for public debate and political expression.
Source: Arshak Sargsyan’s Facebook page
