From 21 to 31 July, 2020, 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, 195 articles were declared, 68 of which were negative, 27 were positive and 100 were neutral.
Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan remains in the center of criticism.
Lawyer Tigran Atanesyan informed that he had submitted a report to the law enforcement agencies against the fact that the mayor of Yerevan Hayk Marutyan had illegally provided a building permit.
Tehmina Harutyunyan, a member of Yerevan Council of Elders, referring to Hayk Marutyan, wrote: “There was a time when I was sure that Hayk Marutyan is a good actor and a good humorist. Now I am still sure that he is a good actor, especially considering the tricks of the last two years, but whether he is a good humorist … Eh, whether I do not have a sense of humor, or the perception of humor differ. Marutyan, along with his once good reputation, has lost his humor.”
The fact that Hayk Marutyan distributed about $ 120,000 bonuses to the management of Yerevan Municipality in July, was also criticized.
The press notes that Arsen Torosyan and Hayk Marutyan had a confrontation. According to the press, Arsen Torosyan proposed to make the telephone number 1-03 nationwide, so that calls from the regions would be registered with that number too, but Hayk Marutyan refused (1-03 operates only in Yerevan, and the ambulance station is under the jurisdiction of the municipality), which became a cause of conflict. According to the publication, the reason for the rejection was the remark of Hayk Marutyan’s wife, Iva, that in many countries of the world the regions have their own ambulance telephone numbers, they are under the community subordination.
The conflict between Ashot Bleyan, the director of Mkhitar Sebastatsi educational complex, and the kindergarten No. 93 continues. The kindergarten wants to fence the area adjacent to the educational complex, but Ashot Bleyan is against it. Two teachers of the educational complex were detained during the last protest. Referring to the topic, the director noted: “I demand that the head of the administrative district resigns, and that Deputy Mayor Tigran Virabyan returns to his previous position, if it is possible.” And finally, “My Step” should discuss the issue of Hayk Marutyan’s resignation. Yerevan cannot have such a mayor. I’m sorry, but it is already insulting for the people of Yerevan. Overcoming the coronavirus may start with the change of mayor. That is the way to reconciliation.”
The publication was prepared with the support of “Hayrenik” Development Foundation
