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YEREVAN – Ruben Mkhitaryan, a Member of Parliament from the ‘Strong Armenia’ faction, has highlighted significant discrepancies in the organizational costs of the upcoming COP17 conference, suggesting that substantial savings could be redirected to address the housing crisis in Gyumri.
COP17 Spending Under Scrutiny
During a session at the National Assembly, Mkhitaryan emphasized that the reported expenditures for COP17 indicate a classic example of financial mismanagement. He pointed out that items like beige thread, priced at 55 drams in the market, were purchased for 1248 drams. Liana Manukyan further noted that while the COP17 government spent 290 million drams, over 84 million could have been saved.
Inflated Transportation Costs
Mkhitaryan detailed inflated costs for transportation services, stating that buses were contracted for 388,000 drams per day, despite being available in the market for 160,000 drams. Similarly, 35-seater buses, valued at 250,000 drams, could be found for 150,000 drams. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans were acquired for 218,000 drams, while their market price is 180,000 drams. Toyota Camrys were rented for 164,000 drams, despite market prices not exceeding 50,000 drams.
A Call for Reallocation: Homes for Gyumri’s Homeless
Mkhitaryan stressed the absence of detailed specifications in the contracts and highlighted an additional 30 million drams in ‘other expenses.’ He argued that approximately 220 million drams could be saved from these expenditures and allocated to construct at least 10 apartments for the homeless in Gyumri, a city in Shirak Province still grappling with the aftermath of the 1988 earthquake.
Parliamentary Action and Public Outcry
The MP also questioned whether the Parliament would refuse to ratify the agreement if such discrepancies were not addressed, implying that COP17 might not proceed without accountability. This comes amidst a broader public discourse on how state funds are being spent, with several related publications questioning government procurement processes and potential financial irregularities.
Background on Gyumri’s Housing Needs
Gyumri, the second-largest city in Armenia, was severely affected by the 1988 Spitak earthquake. Decades later, many residents still live in temporary shelters or inadequate housing. The proposal to build 10 apartments for the homeless, while a modest step, represents a significant gesture of support for the city’s vulnerable population.
Future Implications
The debate surrounding COP17 expenditures and the call for reallocating funds to social housing projects underscore the ongoing challenges of transparency and accountability in public spending. It also highlights the persistent need for addressing social issues like homelessness, particularly in regions still recovering from past disasters.
Source: https://www.pastinfo.am/hy/news/2026/10/12/22258/1983636
