Armenia’s Gyumri City Hall refutes strike reports, confirms normal operations UPDATED

The administration of Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, has officially denied earlier reports claiming it would initiate a strike in response to the arrest of Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan.

Gyumri City Hall has issued a statement clarifying that no strike is planned and that municipal operations will continue as normal, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

This clarification comes after an earlier announcement by deputy Mayor Avetis Arakelyan — who is also Ghukasyan’s son-in-law — suggesting that the city administration would go on strike beginning October 21. Arakelyan’s remarks, made to journalists, sparked speculation of a broader political protest within the city’s governance structures.

However, the city hall has since distanced itself from those comments, stating unequivocally that municipal services remain active and uninterrupted.

18:03

The administration of Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, has announced a city-wide strike in protest of the recent detention of Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan on corruption charges.

The announcement was made to journalists by deputy Mayor Avetis Arakelyan, who is also the mayor’s son-in-law. Arakelyan stated that the strike will commence on October 21, with city hall operations suspended until further notice, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

The decision comes amid mounting tensions in Gyumri following the arrest of Mayor Ghukasyan and seven other individuals, including the city's chief architect. All are facing charges of accepting bribes in connection with unauthorized construction activities.

The strike announcement follows a day of heightened unrest, as security forces moved to detain the mayor. A public rally in support of Ghukasyan took place outside the city hall, where demonstrators clashed with police in isolated incidents.

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has confirmed the launch of criminal proceedings in the case and issued detention orders for all eight suspects.

The situation remains volatile, with ongoing public demonstrations and increasing criticism of the government’s handling of the investigation from Ghukasyan’s supporters within the local administration.

By Vafa Guliyeva