By Elen Muradyan
Vardan Ghukasyan, Gyumri’s newly elected mayor, has pledged to work with Armenia’s central government despite his previous criticism of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. In an exclusive interview with CivilNet following his election, Ghukasyan outlined his plans for Armenia’s second-largest city while addressing the strained relationship with the ruling administration.
Ghukasyan, a candidate nominated by the Armenian Communist Party, was elected mayor on Wednesday after receiving support from 18 out of 33 city council members during the inaugural session, which the ruling Civil Contract party boycotted. His appointment came after complex negotiations among opposition forces following the March 30 municipal elections where no party secured an outright majority.
“I respect the chain of command,” Ghukasyan stated when asked about his relationship with central authorities. “If protocol requires me to welcome the Prime Minister, I will do so. I will conduct myself properly. If he behaves well, I will respond in kind, twice over.”
The returning mayor made it clear that while he “categorically disagrees” with Pashinyan’s political thinking and actions, he will maintain proper decorum when it comes to subvention programs and matters affecting the city’s interests.
Ghukasyan, who previously served as Gyumri’s mayor from 1999 to 2012, outlined ambitious plans for his administration, prioritizing staffing issues and promising to assemble a team of qualified professionals regardless of their political affiliations.
“Professional skills matter more than party membership,” he emphasized, announcing plans to increase salaries for municipal staff by 50% and workers in sports, education, culture, and utilities sectors.
To expand the city’s budget, Ghukasyan proposed bringing post-earthquake buildings that have remained outside the tax framework into compliance. He highlighted what he called a fiscal injustice, noting that while Gyumri contributes 85 billion drams (about $219 million) to the state budget, it receives back only 3.2 billion drams (approximately 3% or $8.25 million).
“According to the constitution and local self-government laws, the city should receive 27-30 billion drams ($70-77 million),” Ghukasyan claimed, stating his intention to resolve this matter through legal channels if necessary.
The mayor also promised to encourage small and medium business development and address bureaucratic obstacles, particularly those related to construction permits and city planning approvals that he says are often delayed for years in Yerevan ministries.
Ghukasyan’s confirmation as mayor comes amid an ongoing criminal investigation against him related to alleged coercion at political gatherings, adding another layer of complexity to Gyumri’s political landscape.
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