Armenian parliament approves consolidation of communities in three provinces

The Armenian parliament on Wednesday approved legislation to merge municipalities in Lori, Syunik and Vayots Dzor Provinces, creating new consolidated communities as part of ongoing local governance reforms.

Under the measure, three enlarged municipalities will be formed:

• Stepanavan community in Lori Province, uniting Stepanavan, Gyulagarak and Lori Berd, with 20 settlements.

• Goris community in Syunik Province, combining Goris, Tatev and Tegh, with 28 settlements.

• Yeghegnadzor community in Vayots Dzor Province, merging Yeghegnadzor, Areni and Yeghegis, with 32 settlements.

The changes will reduce the total number of municipalities nationwide from 70 to 64.

Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Minister Davit Khudatyan told lawmakers the consolidation has already proven effective in practice and said the process will continue.