Armenian opposition MP says government maintains control of public agenda

Armenian opposition MP Tigran Abrahamyan has claimed that the authorities retain political control by dominating the public agenda and shaping the overall political atmosphere, arguing that removing that advantage is the first step toward defeating the ruling Civil Contract party.

In a social media post on Monday, Abrahamyan, who represents the Pativ Unem faction, said the authorities would go to great lengths to keep public attention focused on their narrative.

“Despite the shame, mockery and, for some, even admiration these actions provoke, the authorities continue to cling tightly to their agenda,” Abrahamyan said.

In recent weeks, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has posted videos on social media showing him eating snacks such as pastries and sujukh, a traditional Armenian sweet made with walnuts and grape, while traveling by bus with members of his team during regional visits.

Abrahamyan argued that the opposition cannot defeat the ruling party politically without first stripping it of its ability to control the public agenda and shape the political climate, and then presenting a credible alternative.

According to him, such an alternative should not rely primarily on revisiting past events, but rather on offering the public new ideas and proposals.

"While references to the past remain important for preserving values, educating younger generations and drawing lessons, the current political reality presents new challenges that must also be addressed," he said.