Armenian opposition leader criticizes Pashinyan's rhetoric

Armenian opposition leader Seyran Ohanyan on Saturday accused Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of degrading political discourse by employing what he described as “street-style language”, insisting that such rhetoric is inappropriate for a head of state.

Speaking at a parliament briefing, Ohanyan, who leads the opposition Hayastan faction, said: “For the past seven years, it is primarily Nikol Pashinyan and some of his teammates who have spoken in this manner. A leader must refrain from such language. In our modern history, we have not had leaders or other government officials who spoke like this.”

Speaking about the upcoming parliamentary elections, Ohanyan argued that Armenia’s political field has crystallized into two opposing blocs: the ruling regime and the opposition. He emphasized that while the opposition is composed of several alliances, they are united in their determination to prevent the re-election of the current government.

“This consolidation, at least in the sense that the current authorities must not be allowed to perpetuate themselves, is acceptable,” he said. “There should be no coalition with them in the future. I believe success is possible and we will do everything to ensure the opposition achieves it.”