Tsarukyan vows 'new path' ahead of June elections

Armenian opposition leader Gagik Tsarukyan has accused the government of fostering “an atmosphere of threats, political blackmail and fear” as the country heads toward parliamentary elections on June 7.

At a campaign rally on Thursday, Tsarukyan, who heads the Prosperous Armenia Party, stressed Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his teammates were responding to dissent with “aggression and pressure,” adding that “no illegal arrest or political persecution can silence the people’s voice.”

He urged resilience and unity, promising to launch “a new path together – more united and confident about tomorrow.” He said his party’s aim was to restore “the dignity of the Armenian people, trust in the state and national unity.”