Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan is not my preferred political figure. Yet it is undeniable that he enjoys high public support in Gyumri. Why that is — would be an interesting question for sociological research. In general, it is difficult to determine by eye what exactly accounts for people’s sympathies in such cases. Perhaps Ghukasyan possesses a certain charisma, maybe even the image of a daring Robin Hood. However, in my opinion, the era of “charismatic leaders,” including Pashinyan, is gradually coming to an end. The loud orators are slowly being replaced — at least in Armenia — by professionals and specialists.
As for the “criminal side” of the story, first of all, of course, the presumption of innocence must be respected (which, by the way, the Civil Contract members routinely ignore). Secondly, I find it hard to believe that after being elected mayor of Gyumri this year — and knowing full well that he was under Pashinyan’s National Security Service “microscope” — Ghukasyan would have allowed himself to commit any unlawful act. It simply defies logic.
In the past, when he served as mayor between 2000 and 2012, it is not impossible that he did not always act impeccably. His activities, I am sure, were well known to law enforcement for the past seven and a half years. Yet he was never arrested — until now, after he was once again elected mayor. This clearly indicates that the Civil Contract party cannot accept its defeat in Gyumri and does not want Armenia’s second largest city to be led by an opposition figure on the eve of parliamentary elections. Moreover, had the Anti-Corruption Committee simply summoned the mayor by notice, he would certainly have appeared. The operation carried out by dozens of police officers was a show of force — an attempt to intimidate citizens with opposition views. Given the proud temperament of Gyumri’s residents, this may well produce the opposite effect.
A similar story unfolded with the mayor of Masis. Seven years ago, some incident allegedly took place, but not a single witness has testified about it in court. And now, seven years later, when Davit Hambardzumyan is the prime ministerial candidate of the “I Have Honor” alliance, Pashinyan orders him to be sentenced to six years and three months in prison.
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In both cases, the motive is purely political.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
