Pashinyan's statement about the opposition outraged Facebook users*
Social media users criticized Nikol Pashinyan for calling for opposition parties not to be allowed into the Armenian parliament, noting that voters elect MPs. Other participants in the discussion recalled that the prime minister himself came to power at the head of the opposition.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot," on April 17, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the Strong Armenia party and the Armenia bloc should not pass the threshold for the June parliamentary elections, as opposition MPs are only there to collect their salaries.
Elections to the National Assembly of Armenia will be held on June 7. The "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report titled "2026 Elections to the National Assembly (Parliament) of Armenia".
By 12:50 Moscow time on April 20, Facebook* users had left over 700 comments under the "Caucasian Knot" post about Pashinyan's statement.
Many commenters recalled that the prime minister himself had previously been in opposition to the government. "He himself used to be in the opposition and spoke out all the time, and he was allowed into parliament," wrote Anelya Khachatryan. "If he had fulfilled even half of his previous promises, there wouldn't be anyone he fears now," says George Karakozov.
"You're afraid of a quorum, not a salary. Your people have been receiving salaries for eight years, and there are no results," said Lilit Muradyan. "He himself has walked the path of opposition, so they expect a different rhetoric from him," wrote Anna Mirzoyan.
During the "velvet revolution" in the spring of 2018, before his election as prime minister, Pashinyan assured members of the ruling party that they need not fear revenge. "There will be no vendetta against the former government," he said. The "Caucasian Knot" then ran an updated photo chronicle "How Pashinyan is Rising to Power: Milestones of the "Velvet Revolution." However, in June 2021, before the snap elections to the National Assembly, Nikol Pashinyan told voters that he would perceive his election victory as a "steel mandate" for a "personnel rout" and remove from power the officials who used administrative resources against him.
Other users pointed out that the choice of deputies should remain with the voters, and not be determined by political statements. "And how does he want to prevent this from happening if the people choose, ask him about that," wrote Vladislav Avakyan. "We have a democratic country, you said, "And where is she now?" Nune Tamrazyan addressed the Prime Minister in absentia.
The Armenians themselves will decide who to vote for.
"Who is he to decide who will get into parliament?" Ruzan Margaryan was indignant. "The Armenians themselves will decide who to vote for, no one should interfere," wrote Lado.
"The people will choose whoever they see fit, and this is the main principle," said Manvel Markosyan. "As long as there are elections, it is the people who determine the future of the country," Melkumyan Sas.
He fears competition and is escalating his rhetoric.
Some commentators considered the events a sign of political competition and tension ahead of the elections. They linked the harsh statements to the election campaign. "From his statements, it is clear "He fears competition and is escalating his rhetoric," said Levon Kasabian. "This looks like preparation for elections and a fight for voters," noted Sergei Ryaby. "The usual political struggle is underway, just in a more brutal form," stated Feliks Hakobjanyan.
Other participants in the discussion expressed doubt about the opposition's effectiveness. "The current parliamentary opposition is a remnant of the previous system," noted David Martirosyan. "The real opposition has not yet been able to unite and offer an alternative," wrote another user. "The opposition must first determine a unified position," stated Hayk Kirakosyan.
Other users emphasized the need for reform and development. "The country needs institutional change, not just a change of figures," said Armen Ghukasyan. "It is important to build functioning governance mechanisms," wrote Andranik Grigoryan. "Political culture must develop along with institutions," stated Gohar Nahapetyan.
A separate group of commentators supports the current government and considers its actions justified. "Nikol is right, there is no need to return to previous practices," wrote Vachik Asulyan. "There is a feeling that the old elites are trying to return," said Svetlana Kirakosyan. "Many forget what exactly has changed since 2018," stated Erna Tumasyan.
The discussion participants also raised the issue of external influence on Armenia's domestic politics. "There should be no pro-Russian forces in Armenia; they hinder development," said Gevorg Nerkararyan. "The country needs to focus on its own interests, not on external pressure," wrote Harutyun Arakelyan. "Politics should not depend on external centers of influence," stated Dav Pol.
As a reminder, Pashinyan's statement about the opposition came amid the criminal prosecution of Strong Armenia party leader Samvel Karapetyan and his supporters. Samvel Karapetyan is accused of calling for the overthrow of the constitutional order and economic crimes. On April 17, the court extended Karapetyan's house arrest for three months, although the defense had requested his release to prepare for the elections.
On April 16, security forces conducted searches in the offices and homes of members of the Strong Armenia party. More than a dozen of Karapetyan's supporters were detained on charges of giving and receiving election bribes.
Earlier, Strong Armenia announced its intention to participate in the elections. According to analysts, the parties of Karapetyan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and former President Robert Kocharyan will be key competitors in the elections.
The most pro-Russian parties in the parliamentary elections are Samvel Karapetyan's "Strong Armenia," Robert Kocharyan's "Armenia," and Gagik Tsarukyan's "Prosperous Armenia." The Kremlin is banking on Karapetyan, but he cannot participate in the elections under law, Armenian political scientists noted.