Vanetsyan says power change in Armenia possible through united opposition

Former National Security Service chief and Homeland Party leader Artur Vanetsyan claims a change of power in Armenia can be achieved if opposition forces unite around a clear objective and act honestly with voters.

“It is very sad to see the current state of the collective opposition,” Vanetsyan told 24News in an interview on Thursday. “One must have the courage to admit this. But that does not mean the situation is hopeless.”

According to Vanetsyan, success depends on proper positioning, consistent work, and the formation of the right alliances. He argued that genuine opposition forces cannot have irreconcilable differences if they are truly committed to a shared goal.

“For me, the ultimate goal is the ouster of the current leadership regardless of who becomes prime minister,” he said. “My goal is not to enter the parliament as an opposition lawmaker or to form a faction. My goal is to remove the government.”

Vanetsyan urged opposition figures to be honest both with themselves and with the public about their motivations. “Everyone must honestly ask whether they are really fighting for that goal or simply trying to survive in political life,” he said.

He called on opposition forces with “real opposition views” to unite, define a common objective, and act transparently with one another. “People see everything very clearly,” Vanetsyan said. “If they see honesty, they will take part in elections. And if everyone participates, the ruling party will have no chance of re-election.”

Vanetsyan also claimed that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan would do everything possible to prevent opposition unity. “We must accuse Nikol Pashinyan of everything he does,” he said. “But from his perspective, he is doing his job at a five-plus level. Unfortunately, the agenda is dictated by him.”

He accused the prime minister of manipulating public attention. “He says, ‘We’re gathering near the church,’ and everyone rushes to the church. The next day he may say, ‘We’re going to seize the Matenadaran,’ and everyone will run there,” Vanetsyan said. “As a result, Pashinyan manages to solve his own problems. He works effectively to maintain his electorate.”