Yerevan councilor criticizes tax breaks for developers, warns of health crisis

At a Yerevan City Council meeting on Tuesday, opposition Mother Armenia faction leader Manuk Sukiasyan strongly criticized the decision to grant major construction companies property tax exemptions.

Sukiasyan argued that while ordinary residents face heavy property tax burdens, developers are receiving privileges. He recalled Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s policy of sharply increasing property taxes, saying, “If you live in the city center, you either pay or sell your home and move to the suburbs. Why can’t you tell developers the same?”

He also linked uncontrolled construction to public health risks, citing recent statistics that every 45th resident of Yerevan has an oncological disease. Sukiasyan blamed prolonged building permits and dust pollution, stressing that officials in “sterile, air-conditioned offices” do not face the consequences.

Accusing the city authorities of mismanagement, he pointed out delays in renovating the council’s own chamber after a June 25 meeting, questioning why even that work cannot be completed on time. “From the City Hall to the city’s outskirts, we see negligence and irresponsibility toward Yerevan residents,” he said.