Armenian opposition MP hits out at ex-ombudsman's remarks

Armenian opposition lawmaker Kristine Vardanyan accused newly formed political groups of promoting “one-step solutions” and blaming established opposition forces for their own lack of traction.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, the Hayastan faction MP said former Human Rights Defender and Wings of Unity movement founder Arman Tatoyan’s recent comments reflected “one of the biggest delusions”, arguing that removing existing opposition parties would not strengthen newcomers.

"Some newly emerged groups mistakenly believe the departure of already active forces will create opportunities for them," she wrote. “That is the simplest form of wishful thinking. It doesn’t require taking responsibility and it ignores the complex reality we are facing.”

Vardanyan insisted that long-standing opposition parties bear “the heaviest propaganda blows”, acting as a buffer for newly formed forces. “Anyone who understands this should want as many opposition forces as possible,” Vardanyan said. “Each one absorbs part of the government’s attacks and helps dilute its strength.”

“Why go deeper when it’s so easy to propose simplistic solutions – let others leave so we can succeed?” she added.