From 11 to 20 November, 2019, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the mayor of Yerevan, Hayk Marutyan’s personality and activities.
35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored.
In the specified period, 132 articles were declared, 80 of which were negative, 12 were positive and 40 were neutral.
Various negative articles have been declared on Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan over the past ten-day period. Such a result should be of concern to the Municipality’s public relations department.
Member of Yerevan council of Elders from “Luys” fraction, Tehima Harutyunyan posted a photo on her Facebook page showing garbage on the street, then quoting Hayk Marutyan’s words that the garbage disposal issue was resolved.
Referring to the urban transport, Tigran Avinyan said that the transport issue will be solved in 1-2 or 3 years. News outlets recall that while still being a candidate for mayor, Hayk Marutyan had announced that the transport issue would be resolved within two years. The news agency notes, “In fact, we have to wait another three years.”
Davit Khazhakyan noted that the city budget is being used inefficiently. He recalled that while Taron Margaryan was mayor, he stated that the staff of the municipality was exaggerated and added that Hayk Marutyan had expanded it.
It is noted that Hayk Marutyan purchases the city benches at a higher price than it was obtained before. Referring to this issue, Tehmina Vardanyan and Ani Khachatryan noted, “If former Mayor Taron Margaryan was involved in corruption deals related to those benches, why are those benches still obtained at the same price?” Mrs. Vardanyan added: “In fact, either Taron Margaryan was not involved in corruption related to this issue or Hayk Marutyan is committing corruption.” They asked the State Control Service (SCS) to clarify this issue.
In fact, topics on urban issues and corruption risk statements have been increased.
