Homeland Party member criticizes minister over 'politically illiterate' remarks

Opposition politician Babken Harutyunyan, a senior member of the Homeland Party, has accused Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Davit Khudatyan of “political ignorance” after he labelled several opposition parties as allies of former President Robert Kocharyan.

“Davit Khudatyan’s statement reflects his low political intellect, or if you like, his political illiteracy,” Harutyunyan told reporters on Thursday. “He makes accusations without offering a single piece of evidence.”

Khudatyan had claimed that the four opposition forces running in the upcoming Vagharshapat municipal elections were “pro-Kocharyan”, calling the vote “a choice between Pashinyan’s and Kocharyan’s supporters”.

“It’s shameful that someone holding a ministerial post repeats narratives spread by fake pro-government social media pages,” Harutyunyan said. He reiterated the Homeland Party’s goal to prevent the ruling Civil Contract party from regaining power in local elections.

The Homeland Party has nominated writer and publicist Khachik Manukyan for Vagharshapat mayor. Harutyunyan said the government’s rhetoric intensified after Manukyan urged dialogue among opposition forces to better challenge the ruling party.