Samvel Karapetyan pledges round-the-clock push for rapid development

Businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan, the prime ministerial candidate of the Strong Armenia party, said on Thursday that his team is preparing to assume major responsibility for the country’s future, pledging a 24/7 effort to drive rapid national development.

Speaking at a preparatory meeting, Karapetyan said Armenia must first take stock of the situation it is inheriting before advancing policy proposals. He delivered a sweeping critique of the current authorities, stating that the country faces significant political, security and economic challenges.

He pointed to the aftermath of the recent war, including territorial losses and the presence of Azerbaijani forces within Armenia’s internationally recognized borders. He also argued that relations with key allies have deteriorated due to confrontational diplomacy, and said Armenia has become a center of geopolitical tensions. Karapetyan highlighted that Armenian nationals remain detained in Baku.

On the economic front, he described conditions as strained, citing a poverty rate of around 21%, rising public debt approaching $15 billion, and increasing household indebtedness. He further criticized a decline in diaspora engagement and weakening investor confidence, which he attributed to alleged abuses by law enforcement bodies.

Outlining his priorities, Karapetyan said his movement would focus on continuous, round-the-clock governance efforts, fostering a “unified and strong society”, and restoring the role of the Armenian Apostolic Church in public life. He emphasized that justice, the rule of law and humanitarian values would underpin his agenda.

Karapetyan also pledged to secure “guaranteed and genuine peace”, stating that he would take personal responsibility for ensuring stability.