'Tired of weak leaders and retreat': Strong Armenia party officially launched in Yerevan

Armenian businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan has been unanimously elected chairman of the newly established Strong Armenia party, members announced at the party’s official launch in Yerevan on Thursday, marking the beginning of a new political chapter.

The event took place at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex in Yerevan, where members of the Mer Dzevov (Our Way) movement formally unveiled the party, which emerged from the movement.

“This marks the beginning of a new, strong Armenia — new thinking, new leadership, a new political force and the start of new victories,” said Aleksan Aleksanyan, a member of the coordinating council of the Mer Dzevov movement, during his speech at the launch.

Aleksanyan said that Armenians are “tired of weak leaders who have drained the country’s resources, undermined its future and shattered its hopes” over the years.

“We are tired of surrender, shame, and retreat. Strong Armenia comes to say: we are strong, and there is no other way,” he declared.

He noted that the party held its founding congress on Wednesday, during which Karapetyan was elected its chairman.

While the Strong Armenia party will function as a political organization, the Mer Dzevov movement will continue operating alongside it, Aleksanyan said, adding that the movement’s mission extends beyond politics.

“Our goal is not limited to the political process. It also includes defending our faith, values, and national dignity,” he said.

Aleksanyan outlined a vision of an Armenia where young people “stay to build their future at home rather than leave,” where families live with dignity, villages are revitalized, factories reopen and “work and dignity once again become the highest values.”