Simonyan's spokesman declines to comment on reported dispute with fellow MP

Several Armenian media outlets, including Panorama.am, received an anonymous letter alleging a serious dispute between Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan and ruling Civil Contract party MP Hayk Sargsyan.

According to the letter, Sargsyan submitted a written demand to the party board calling for Simonyan’s expulsion. The MP reportedly raised the issue during a party meeting in Kotayk Province attended by over 100 members.

The dispute allegedly stems from Sargsyan’s proposal to raise taxes on gambling companies. The letter claims Simonyan opposed the bill due to financial interests linked to the company Vivaro, sparking a conflict between the two and reaching Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Despite Simonyan’s objections, Pashinyan reportedly instructed the ruling faction to support the legislative measure.

The letter also states that Sargsyan circulated videos to party members to substantiate his claims.

Asked about the matter, Simonyan’s spokesperson, Movses Harutyunyan, told Panorama.am on Wednesday that he was aware of the letter but had “no comment at this point,” adding it was unclear whether Simonyan would respond.

Contacted by 24News, Sargsyan neither confirmed nor denied the allegations, saying he would address questions after the party’s upcoming board elections.