Samvel Karapetyan explains decision to enter politics

Armenian businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan, who has been named the prime ministerial candidate of the Strong Armenia party, says he has entered politics to prevent the country’s “path to disaster”.

Speaking in an AI-generated video at the party’s launch event at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex in Yerevan on Thursday, Karapetyan said he could not “sit idly by” while Armenia faced mounting challenges.

“People ask me why I decided to enter politics in the current situation,” Karapetyan said in the video. “I was born in Armenia. I know the hardships and the sweetness of life in both the city and the village. I cannot remain indifferent and calmly watch as my homeland is led toward disaster and destruction.”

Karapetyan, who described himself as a “builder”, said he had created “thousands of assets” across dozens of countries over the course of his career, including buildings, factories, jobs, hospitals and schools. He said his business reputation had enabled him to forge international ties that he now intends to leverage for Armenia’s benefit.

“That creative potential must now serve Armenia and its people with full force,” he said.

Karapetyan said 115 days remained until what he called a “new beginning” for the country, promising the start of a “new era” in which a “strong Armenia” would become reality. He pledged to strengthen ties with the Armenian diaspora, emphasizing the importance of fostering an “emotional connection” rather than relying primarily on financial donations.

He also promised to pursue professional and independent diplomacy, saying Armenia would speak with all its neighbors and work with major powers.

“Building a strong Armenia is also about hope,” Karapetyan said, adding that efforts to build a “new, peaceful, secure and prosperous life” would begin immediately after the elections on June 8.

“With our determined and unyielding large team, we will not lose a single day on the path to building a strong Armenia,” he said. “Rest assured that we will certainly succeed. In our own way — toward a strong Armenia.”