Armenian opposition figure criticizes Pashinyan over third term bid

An Armenian opposition figure on Thursday accused Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of seeking to extend his grip on power after eight years in office, sharply criticizing his track record.

Speaking at the official launch of the Strong Armenia party, Narek Karapetyan, coordinator of the Mer Dzevov (Our Way) movement, said Pashinyan was pursuing a third term despite major failures during his leadership.

“After eight years in power, the prime minister now eyes a third term,” Karapetyan said, urging the public to recall his government’s track record.

Karapetyan accused Pashinyan of presiding over the loss of most of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) during his first term, weakening the military and undermining the judiciary. He stressed that during a second term the government failed to prevent the final loss of Artsakh, enriched members of its political team and applied pressure against opponents.

He also criticized the administration’s economic policies, claiming that agriculture had declined and that authorities were overstating achievements such as school construction. Karapetyan accused the government of blaming neighboring countries for domestic shortcomings.

“People elect a leader with hope that he will change their lives,” Karapetyan said. “But once in office, they seek another term. Our people are not anyone’s captives.”

“It’s time for Armenia to have a strong and serious leader,” he added.