In a press conference held on December 29, Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan announced that Karen Grigoryan, the Deputy Mayor for Urban Development of the Yerevan Municipality, will be relieved of his position. This decision was reached after discussions between the two sides, and it was also the desire of Karen Grigoryan himself. Avinyan emphasized that the decision was implemented following official procedures.

It is important to note that Karen Grigoryan was temporarily suspended from work on December 26, following a personal complaint. Avinyan had previously expressed support for Grigoryan during the elections of Yerevan City Council, stating that if elected, he would reappoint Grigoryan to his position. Avinyan praised Grigoryan’s professionalism in the field of urban development and urged against baseless criticism of individuals.

Karen Grigoryan had been serving as the Deputy Mayor for Urban Development since May 2022. Prior to that, he held positions as the Deputy Prefect of the “Roadmap for Local Governance and Infrastructure Development” project under the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, as well as the Director of the “Museum and Memorial Complexes and Historical Center Conservation” project under the Ministry of Culture.

These recent developments in Yerevan Municipality highlight the ongoing changes and decision-making processes in local governance. The decision to relieve Karen Grigoryan of his position as Deputy Mayor for Urban Development serves as an example of the importance placed on mutual agreement and professionalism in such roles.