Tensions rise in Gyumri City Council

Tensions have escalated around the Gyumri City Council following a controversy over the resignation of Karen Badalyan, a member of the opposition Our City bloc.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Sos Hakobyan, a lawyer and member of the Homeland Party, which is part of the Our City alliance, accused the Armenian authorities of attempting to distort the post-election balance of power in Gyumri.

On April 21, Badalyan submitted resignation, citing new job commitments. As per legal procedure, the Gyumri mayor documented the vacancy and forwarded the report to Electoral District Commission No. 31, which then had seven days to process it. However, according to Hakobyan, the commission failed to act within the legal timeframes.

Just two days after stepping down, Badalyan submitted a second statement withdrawing his resignation and announcing his departure from the Our City alliance to become an “independent” council member. Hakobyan claims his move suggests outside pressure and is a deliberate attempt to weaken the opposition’s presence in the council.

“This is a clear interference with the democratic will of Gyumri’s voters. We are here to fight back against these violations," Hakobyan said.