Gyumri, Shirak Province, Armenia, July 21, 2026 – Avetis Arakelyan, the first deputy mayor and acting head of Gyumri, as well as the son-in-law of Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan, has clarified his reasons for declining a parliamentary mandate. The decision, made after discussions with Mayor Ghukasyan and Narek Karapetyan, the leader of the political team’s faction, ultimately rested with Arakelyan himself, who prioritized the welfare of the city.
Prioritizing Gyumri’s Stability Over National Office
Arakelyan emphasized that his primary concern was the well-being of Gyumri and its residents. “I found that the priority was the interests of the people of Gyumri and the city of Gyumri. At this moment, I saw that if I took the mandate, the city could collapse, which was unacceptable for both me and my political team,” Arakelyan stated. This decision refutes circulating rumors of a ‘behind-the-scenes agreement’ between Gyumri’s city authorities and the central government, which allegedly led to Vardan Ghukasyan’s pre-trial detention being replaced by house arrest.
Rejection of Political Deal Allegations
The acting deputy mayor explicitly denied any such political maneuvering, asserting that his choice was solely based on his assessment of the city’s needs. The decision highlights a perceived vulnerability within Gyumri’s administrative structure, suggesting that Arakelyan’s departure for national politics would have left a critical void.
Representation in the Legislature and Future Outlook
When questioned about whether he could have achieved more for Gyumri within the legislative body, Arakelyan responded that their political force is already represented in the legislature. This implies that the city’s interests can still be advocated for by other members, making his presence in Gyumri more crucial for its immediate stability and governance.
This development underscores the complex interplay between local governance and national politics in Armenia, particularly in regions like Gyumri which often face unique socio-economic challenges. The decision by a prominent local figure to forgo a national role for the sake of his city’s stability reflects a deep commitment to community welfare.
Implications for Gyumri’s Governance
Arakelyan’s continued presence in Gyumri is expected to provide continuity and stability, especially given the ongoing challenges and the need for robust local leadership. The focus now shifts to how this decision will impact future local elections and the broader political landscape of the Shirak Province.
The current situation in Gyumri, with its acting deputy mayor making such a significant personal and political sacrifice, draws attention to the critical role of dedicated local leadership in maintaining civic order and progress. His emphasis on preventing a ‘collapse’ suggests underlying fragilities that demand constant attention from those in charge.
This event also brings to light the ongoing discussions about the balance of power and influence between local and central authorities in Armenia, and how individual political decisions can have profound implications for municipal well-being.
The community’s reaction to Arakelyan’s decision remains to be fully gauged, but initial reports suggest a mix of understanding and continued speculation regarding the political dynamics at play.
Related Publications:
- 07/21/2026 12:40 – POLITICAL: Vardan Ghukasyan’s son-in-law Avetis Arakelyan declined parliamentary mandate
- 07/15/2026 14:14 – POLITICAL: I can’t imagine how our more than 30,000 votes can be ignored. Avetis Arakelyan on holding snap elections in Gyumri
- 12/09/2025 16:20 – POLITICAL: Gyumri Deputy Mayor Avetis Arakelyan continues to serve. The date of the council meeting is known
- 12/05/2025 18:39 – POLITICAL: Gyumri Deputy Mayor arrested and then released. Press secretary
