Opposition MP: Armenian leaders' 'erratic conduct' signals waning public support

Armenian opposition lawmaker Elenar Vardanyan said recent confrontations between government officials and citizens reflect rising tensions and a shift in public sentiment against the ruling regime.

Speaking to Panorama.am on Monday, Vardanyan, a member of the Alternative Projects group, said incidents involving senior officials, including Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan, highlight what she described as growing unease within the government.

“The behavior we are seeing stems from internal tensions and the broader public atmosphere,” she said, adding that authorities are aware that public attitudes toward them have “significantly changed” and become increasingly intolerant.

Vardanyan also criticized the detention of two young individuals following Sunday’s incident at St. Anna Church, warning that the legal grounds used – allegedly obstructing official or political activity – could set a troubling precedent.

“This could mean that if any official attends a public event and is challenged or asked to leave by dissenting citizens, those individuals could be accused of obstructing political activity, which carries criminal liability,” she said. “This risks establishing a dangerous and deeply flawed precedent in the legal system.”

She further accused officials of potentially provoking confrontations to justify legal action against critics, suggesting that such tactics could intensify ahead of the June parliamentary elections.

According to Vardanyan, the government’s conduct indicates awareness of unfavorable internal polling data and declining support. She predicted that without electoral violations, the ruling party would struggle to secure a majority.

“Their actions indicate that the upcoming elections are existential for them,” she said, adding that further arrests and pressure on opponents may follow. “For the country, too, this is not a routine vote, but a matter of preserving statehood.”