Narek Karapetyan warns of deepening hardship in Gegharkunik

Narek Karapetyan, who tops the Strong Armenia party’s list for the upcoming June 7 parliamentary elections, has voiced concern over worsening socio-economic conditions in Armenia’s Gegharkunik Province.

Speaking after visits to both Armavir and Gegharkunik on Monday, Karapetyan described a mixed picture. In Armavir, he noted encouraging signs of productivity, with farmers cultivating fruits and vegetables in high demand. Yet he stressed that unresolved issues, particularly water shortages and difficulties with crop collection, continue to hinder development.

“Only asphalt does not develop the economy,” Karapetyan remarked, underscoring that infrastructure alone cannot substitute for systemic agricultural support.

In Gegharkunik, however, the situation appeared more severe. Karapetyan pointed to high unemployment rates, though he emphasized that residents remain willing to work. He highlighted the scale of outward migration for seasonal labor, challenging official claims that Armenia lacks 300,000 workers.

“Let them go to Gegharkunik and see how many people leave for work abroad,” he said.