Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on July 28 condemned the glorification of criminal subculture following a controversy over musical performances at the fountains in Gyumri, writing, "A thief should be in prison, not fooling around with fountains." He also refuted opposition claims of widespread societal tension by pointing to the mass celebrations of the Vardavar holiday, arguing that the discontent of a "pseudo-elite group" does not reflect the public mood.

Pashinyan highlighted improvements in living standards, noting that over 50,000 people spent the holiday on the shores of Lake Sevan, which involves significant family expenses. He observed a boom in the hospitality sector, with restaurants fully booked, contrasting this with the past when dining out was an "unaffordable luxury." He also pointed to a growing demand for tourist visas to EU countries, stating that visits to Europe by Armenian citizens had "grown exponentially" since 2018.

He acknowledged dissatisfaction from some over the end of past corrupt practices but rejected these complaints as illegitimate. He concluded that citizen well-being depends on how much state budgets spend on public good, a principle he said was demonstrated during the Vardavar celebrations.

Gyumri Mayor Denies Role In Fountain Music Scandal, Condemns Political Repression, And Offers National Leadership

Vardan Ghukasyan, the Mayor of Gyumri, questioned why he was being held responsible for controversial music played at the city's fountains during a press conference on July 28 marking his 100th day in office. He suggested the inclusion of the song "The Thieves’ Fate" was a deliberate provocation timed with his press conference and assured he had no involvement.

Ghukasyan strongly condemned the recent arrests of Archbishops Bagrat Galstanyan and Mikael Ajapakhyan as a "political order," comparing the detentions to the repression of 1937. He also stated that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan "should stay away from the Catholicos."

Regarding his political future, the mayor said it was not "100 percent clear" and that "Only God will direct." However, he declared his readiness to serve as Prime Minister if no other suitable candidate emerges and the people demand it. He identified the country's main challenge as a battle between the Armenian people and a handful of powerful oligarchic families, stating that all the country's resources should become state property, as in China.