On October 11, Khachatur Balasanyan, son of former Gyumri Mayor Samvel Balasanyan and current opposition figure to Nikol Pashinyan’s government, was detained at Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport. Gor Abrahamyan, spokesperson for Armenia’s Investigative Committee, stated that Khachatur is suspected of involvement in a corruption case involving a close family member. The investigation reportedly also implicates his father, who faces possible arrest over alleged irregularities in the privatization of land near the Sev Berd fortress.
Following a 72-hour detention, Khachatur Balasanyan was released on a 70 million dram bail. Shortly after his release, former and current Gyumri deputy mayors Ruben Sanoyan and Suren Janoyan were also detained on related charges but were quickly released on bail. Meanwhile, Gyumri’s first deputy mayor, Lusine Sanoyan, departed for the United States, adding to the speculation surrounding the city’s political landscape.
These events have significantly heightened tensions in Gyumri, fueling rumors that the opposition-led Balasanyan Alliance may resign its mandates, potentially leading to extraordinary elections. If Alliance members, including the current mayor, relinquish their positions, the city council would be required to hold a special vote to appoint a new leader. Should the council fail to do so within two weeks, the Armenian government is authorized under Article 69 of the Law on Local Self-Government to dissolve the council. This would trigger extraordinary elections, scheduled by the Central Election Commission to take place between 30 and 40 days after dissolution, in line with Article 128 of Armenia’s Election Code.
If events unfold as anticipated, Gyumri could face extraordinary elections as early as late December or early January. The current council would remain in place until a new one is elected, although any government-appointed acting leader would lack legal authority in Gyumri, where leadership is selected through a proportional system.
This case is not isolated; similar allegations of government pressure on locally elected opposition leaders have surfaced in other Armenian communities, including Vanadzor, Alaverdi, Talin, Ashotsk, Vardenis, and Parakar.
