Armenian opposition says MP candidates fired under political pressure

Iveta Tonoyan, spokesperson for Armenia’s opposition Prosperous Armenia Party, on Friday accused the government of orchestrating politically motivated dismissals of two MP candidates affiliated with the party.

Speaking at a press briefing, Tonoyan said the dismissals had occurred over the past several weeks “under the direct instruction of the authorities.”

She identified the officials as Karen Sergoyan, deputy mayor of Akhuryan, and Gayane Grigoryan, deputy mayor of Charentsavan, both of whom she said were removed from their posts because of their political affiliation.

“We will challenge the decisions in court,” Tonoyan said, arguing that the dismissals lacked legal basis.

She further alleged that other individuals, including teachers, condominium association heads and workers in various municipal and infrastructure sectors, had also faced dismissal for political reasons.

Tonoyan accused the government of misusing administrative resources to target political opponents, saying state institutions should not be used to “settle political scores”.

She also criticized Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's remarks warning that renewed conflict could follow if his government failed to secure re-election.

“If the peace they repeatedly speak about is truly guaranteed, what exactly is the current leadership afraid of?” Tonoyan said. “Why accuse the opposition of bringing war when opposition figures, including Prosperous Armenia and Gagik Tsarukyan, have consistently stated that the doors to war must be permanently closed?”

Tonoyan described Pashinyan’s remarks as “political blackmail” aimed at intimidating voters ahead of the elections.