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Production operations at the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC) in Kajaran, Armenia, have resumed after a strike that lasted more than a week. Now, it’s time to analyze the statements made during this period and identify their targets.

The Armenian government, which holds a 22% stake in ZCMC, remained silent throughout the strike, raising suspicions. Why did the authorities stay quiet while the country’s largest taxpayer was losing millions of dollars? This and other questions have fueled speculation that certain circles sought to exploit the workers' protest, which stemmed from social grievances.

In a recent interview, ZCMC General Director Roman Khudoliy accused “some forces” of trying to seize control of Armenia’s largest metallurgical enterprise.

"It's absolutely clear that some forces are trying to take advantage of the situation for their own good. They want to seize control of the plant. I have dismissed eight individuals who played an active role in organizing the strike. I believe they were used by third parties to manipulate the workforce. No other employees will be fired."

Notably, three of the eight dismissed workers are brothers, who are reportedly members of the Republic Party.

Panorama.am asked ZCMC spokesperson Arayik Margaryan for clarifications on the chief executive's remarks. 

"We have nothing more to add. The message is clear and those concerned know exactly who they are," he replied.

Suren Surenyants, chairman of the Democratic Alternative Party which is part of Kajaran’s ruling bloc, is convinced that Khudoliy was referring to forces seeking to redistribute ownership of the plant.

"Well-known pro-government circles are cashing in on the workers' social issues. This strike was not solely about social problems. I'm not going to disclose any names for now. I will only say that the ZCMC employees are truly facing many social issues that warrant concern. However, in my view, influential pro-government circles may be helping the government push for redistribution of ownership," Surenyants told Panorama.am in an interview.

"What’s particularly strange is the Armenian government’s passive stance despite owning 22% of ZCMC’s shares. The plant reportedly lost 400 million drams per day during the strike – a staggering sum for a country like Armenia. That’s why I’ve spoken so sharply on this issue. Additionally, I have specific facts supportting my position."

He suggested closely monitoring recent social media posts and their authors to identify the pro-government circles involved.

"Well-known circles are exploiting the social issues of ordinary workers to advance far-reaching political goals, while the Armenian government remains a passive observer," Surenyants stated.

Following his advice, we conducted a review of Facebook posts.

Among those actively posting about the ZCMC strike were Arman Babajanyan, chairman of the For the Republic Party, as well as Arthur Sakunts and others.

It’s worth recalling that just a few months ago, Republic Party leader Aram Sargsyan, another pro-Western figure, made the following statement at the Dilemma program:

"I have repeatedly proposed that the Armenian government grant a license to an American or French company. [The Russian-owned] GeoProMining would not survive such competition and would be forced to sell its stake and leave."