Armenian opposition leader warns rural communities left behind

Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) chairman Gagik Tsarukyan has accused the authorities of neglecting rural communities, saying villagers are “left alone with their problems” and demanding sweeping reforms.  

Touring villages across Armenia in recent weeks, Tsarukyan said citizens are overwhelmingly calling for change, citing long‑standing grievances that remain unaddressed. “Eighty to ninety percent of problems could be solved quickly with proper governance,” he argued, stressing that farmers face mounting debt and uncertainty over crop sales amid potential trade disruptions with the Eurasian Economic Union.

Tsarukyan highlighted several urgent issues raised by residents:  

Debt burdens: Families struggle with bank loans whose interest payments prevent repayment of principal.  

Agricultural markets: Farmers fear political disputes could jeopardize exports, leaving harvests unsold.  

Taxi drivers: He criticized the penalty points system as unfair to professional drivers reliant on daily work.  

Property tax: He denounced recent legislation as “dishonest” and pledged his party would propose amendments.  

The party's electoral platform, branded “Proposal to Armenia”, is being drafted through consultations with citizens rather than behind closed doors, Tsarukyan said. “We will continue visiting towns and villages, listening to people and shaping solutions together,” he added.