Armenian opposition warns of democratic backsliding ahead of EU summit

Armenian opposition figures accused the government of eroding democratic norms, warning European leaders that the country is drifting toward authoritarianism as Yerevan prepares to host a major EU political gathering.

Six Armenian parties submitted a joint letter to the EU Delegation in Yerevan on Wednesday, highlighting systematic violations of democratic principles and raising concerns over Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan.

Speaking outside the EU mission, Arman Abovyan of the Prosperous Armenia Party said the country, hailed by the authorities as a “bastion of democracy”, was turning into an “anti-democratic penitentiary.” He urged European leaders to recognize the worsening state of political freedoms in Armenia.

“This is not an anti-European action,” Abovyan said. “We have never looked negatively at our European partners. But they must understand where they are coming. Armenia faces serious problems with democracy and with the vision that is supposed to represent progress for Europe and the world.”

Abovyan stated that citizens were being dismissed from jobs for their political views or even for social media activity, such as liking posts critical of the government. He argued that such practices amounted to political repression and said they should be brought to the attention of EU officials.

Opposition parties also accused the government of failing to defend Armenian national interests, claiming it had aligned itself with Azerbaijan’s anti-Armenian policies.