Armenian PM’s spouse denies links to “88” supermarkets, urges boycott

Anna Hakobyan, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's wife, has publicly denied any connection to the Armenian supermarket chain “88” and stated that she has never used their services. She urged citizens not to believe circulating rumors and called for a boycott of businesses mistakenly linked to her name.

Hakobyan posted a detailed statement on her Facebook page regarding the rumors, Caliber.Az reports.

“Dear compatriots,

I declare that our family has never used and does not use the ‘88’ supermarkets. Personally, I have never been to any of these stores. I do not know what kind of stores they are, where they are located, or what quality of service they provide. Honestly, I have no intention of ever using stores called ‘88.’

For about 20 years, I have done all necessary shopping for our family in two other supermarket chains in Yerevan, and I will continue to do so. We buy fruits and vegetables from small, cozy shops across the city.

What I have said about having no connection to the ‘88’ supermarket chain is true even from the perspective of an ordinary consumer.

Dear residents of different communities,

I ask you not to believe the rumors linking these stores to me and my name. If anyone insists that these are ‘my’ stores, simply boycott them — do not use this chain, and don’t even buy a bottle of water at the ‘88’ supermarkets allegedly linked to Anna Hakobyan.

In general, boycott any business associated with my name. If there are circles inappropriately trying to link my name to a certain brand for any reason, let them resolve their issues among themselves. We will boycott. Briefly — clearly — concretely!” Hakobyan noted.

By Vafa Guliyeva