Gyumri branch of Armenian university declares boycott amid leadership dispute

The Gyumri branch of the Armenian State University of Economics (ASUE) announced on Monday that it is suspending operations and staging a boycott, citing arbitrary leadership decisions that have triggered a crisis within the institution.

In a statement, faculty and staff accused the ASUE rector of breaking a commitment to appoint former director Karen Petrosyan as acting head until a formal competition could be held. Instead, another candidate was named without explanation, a move the branch said has “paralyzed” its management and disrupted daily academic and administrative work.

The statement warned that the branch has been reduced to handling “routine processes” rather than pursuing its development agenda, fueling discontent among employees and students.

Staff members said they will resume their duties only if one of two conditions is met:

1. A meeting with the Armenian prime minister to present their concerns directly.

2. The reinstatement of Petrosyan as acting director until a new director is selected through competition.

“Our strength lies in our unity,” the statement said, urging the public and media to amplify their demands.

Petrosyan previously founded the “New Armenia, New Catholicos” movement, which opposed Catholicos Karekin II's leadership.