Your trusted source

Public figure and producer Ruben Mkhitaryan has announced his decision to run for mayor of Gyumri, Armenia's second largest city, to prevent the re-election of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party.

"The biggest problem of Gyumri and Armenia is a phenomenon called 'Nikolism' and the person residing at a government villa in Yerevan," he said in a Facebook video on Tuesday.

Mkhitaryan explained that this realization compelled him to make "another pivotal decision" in his life.

"I have decided to run for mayor of Gyumri and, through the highly people-centered My Strong Community party, I will soon introduce new political and prominent community figures," the producer announced.

Emphasizing that his candidacy is neither an end in itself nor a personal ambition, Mkhitaryan claimed that his primary goal is to offer Gyumri’s residents a genuine alternative and to defeat the current leadership.

"I don't consider my fellow mayoral candidates adversaries, let alone enemies, as we are all from this city and know each other well. However, my stance is clear: the ruling party should not succeed in the Gyumri elections. I am ready to collaborate with any candidate who shares this position," he stated.

"For me, a successful election outcome is the downfall of the current government. It does not matter who ultimately achieves this result. However, dear people of Gyumri, I am confident that you will appreciate our vision for the city's development. You can expect the most compelling campaign in the country – one that is realistic, dynamic, positive and, above all, true to the spirit of Gyumri.

"I need the support of all of you, including young people, the middle generation and our elders. Let’s give our city a real chance for a prosperous and dignified future, one where our parents no longer reminisce about the glorious days of Leninakan and the youth can take pride in a thriving, vibrant and modern Gyumri," Mkhitaryan concluded.