Artur Vanetsyan emphasizes focus on 2026 elections, doesn't rule out street protests

Homeland Party leader Artur Vanetsyan stresses the need to prepare for the 2026 parliamentary elections in Armenia while not ruling out street protests. Meanwhile, he asserts that his party has no immediate plans for such actions.

“No political force can succeed alone,” Vanetsyan told 24News in an interview on Monday, underscoring the importance of public sentiment regarding the proposed peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. “If the people are ready to fight, they should, regardless of who leads the movement – whether it’s me or another political leader. My struggle is against the Civil Contract party, not against fellow opposition figures.”

When asked about accusations among supporters of former Armenian presidents over who was responsible for bringing Nikol Pashinyan to power, Vanetsyan avoided delving into the topic.

“It’s a sensitive issue. If people honestly reflect on 2018, they will see how Pashinyan came to power. Some now argue that Serzh Sargsyan should have resisted and not relinquished power. But what if hundreds of people had died? Even if he had warned about the consequences, would anyone have believed him? I doubt it, he would have been accused of dictatorship and clinging to power through bloodshed. I don’t want to engage in this debate or defend any side. Instead, we must remain focused on our fight against Civil Contract and Nikol Pashinyan,” he said.