Vanetsyan on 2026 elections: 'This is a national liberation struggle against an internal enemy'

In an appearance on LurjCast on Sunday, Homeland Party leader Artur Vanetsyan stated that all political forces must inevitably prepare for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia.

“Is there any political force that’s not preparing for nationwide elections? That’s simply impossible. Every political force must be preparing,” stated Vanetsyan, a former director of the National Security Service.

However, he clarified that his party is currently focused on other priorities.

“At this point, we’re not preparing for elections. We’re taking steps aimed at the removal of the current leadership,” Vanetsyan said. “I’ve already outlined the approach: without excluding street protests or other actions that can lead to a change of power, we must also prepare for elections. 2026 will come, elections will be held and unfortunately, only the ruling party will be ready for them. And then people will wonder how they managed to secure so many votes. But allowing them to remain in power is a 'luxury' Armenia cannot afford a second time.”

“This is not a classic political struggle. This is a national liberation struggle against an internal enemy. It’s a clear, sharp and bold characterization that I want to repeat once again,” the politician stated.

When asked why opposition forces continue to criticize each other if the situation is so serious, the opposition politician responded:

“I won’t speak on behalf of other forces. I’ll speak for myself and for my party. I have very good relations with both the second and third presidents’ teams, as well as with other opposition forces. Our party maintains healthy and constructive relations with everyone. Whenever needed, we meet, talk and make decisions. I believe that genuine opposition forces cannot have insurmountable disagreements when it comes to the common goal of removing the current government.”

Vanetsyan acknowledged that although strategic differences remain — with one group advocating for immediate impeachment and another viewing it as a measure that requires specific preconditions — there is broad consensus on the ultimate objective.

Asked whether the opposition could unite behind a single candidate, possibly Vanetsyan himself, he was cautious.

“I’m not the one to answer that question. You should ask those who are authorized to nominate a prime ministerial candidate. There have been some discussions involving me, but nothing with a concrete agenda,” he said. “But let me be clear: whether it’s me or someone else, if a decision is made that a certain individual can lead a process resulting in the ouster of Nikol Pashinyan, that person simply cannot refuse to take responsibility.”