Analyst says extension of Samvel Karapetyan's detention signals government weakness

Armenian analyst Tigran Dumikyan has criticized the recent extension of pre-trial detention for businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan, the prime ministerial candidate of the opposition Strong Armenia party, arguing that the move reflects the government’s ongoing political and strategic failures.

In a social media post on Monday, Dumikyan asserted that governments failing in matters of national importance, particularly following military defeat, are generally expected to resign, citing international precedent. He contended that the current administration’s claims of having secured peace lack substantive grounding, noting the absence of a finalized agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan and stating that Baku continues to shape the terms of negotiations.

Dumikyan further argued that the authorities are actively discouraging the emergence of domestic political resistance, stressing that individuals advancing alternative political agendas have been systematically targeted. He described the extension of Karapetyan’s detention as politically motivated and indicative of the ruling party's concerns over declining public support.

Citing polling data, Dumikyan said both Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his political bloc face low approval ratings. He argued that isolating political opponents is unlikely to shift public sentiment and may instead mobilize voters and strengthen opposition forces.

Dumikyan also rejected claims that elections cannot bring about political change in Armenia, calling such narratives manipulative. He maintained that high voter turnout would make it difficult for the incumbent government to retain power.

He concluded that the ultimate outcome rests with Armenian citizens, emphasizing that informed and active engagement in the electoral process remains the key driver of political change.