Mayoral candidate: Vagharshapat elections should focus on values, not 'street cleaning'

Khachik Manukyan, a writer and publicist running for mayor of Vagharshapat under the Homeland Party banner, says Armenia’s local elections should focus on values and vision rather than basic municipal services.

“Many try to portray local elections as a choice about who will sweep the streets or clean the city. That’s not what this is about,” Manukyan said in an interview with Aysor.am on Monday.

He stressed that strong communities form the backbone of a strong nation, urging voters to support candidates committed to genuine national values rather than those driven by short-term administrative goals.

He accused the ruling Civil Contract party of using state-funded infrastructure projects for political gain. “They boast about paving roads and building kindergartens, but that money comes from the people, not their own pockets,” he said. “The budget is meant to build a safe and prosperous country.”

Manukyan described the current leaders as “death-bringers”, saying Armenia could not progress until they were removed from power.

He also pointed to the struggles of rural workers, saying many cannot meet their basic needs, while “those sitting in offices enrich themselves and erode the country’s national values.”