Tsarukyan pledges to 'go all the way' ahead of June elections

Armenian opposition leader Gagik Tsarukyan said on Friday that his Prosperous Armenia Party would press ahead with its campaign despite mounting pressure and intimidation targeting party supporters ahead of the country’s June 7 parliamentary elections.

Speaking at a meeting with party members one week before the vote, Tsarukyan accused the authorities of attempting to intimidate his political team but insisted the party would remain committed to its campaign.

“Today they have gone after members of our team, trying to intimidate them in every possible way,” Tsarukyan said. “We are going all the way.”

Tsarukyan instructed party representatives to immediately report any alleged election violations to Armenia’s Central Election Commission and coordinate with party lawyers. He also urged supporters to refrain from insulting political opponents or involving their family members in campaign disputes.

He said the party’s campaign should remain focused on engaging voters, listening to public concerns and presenting solutions to the country’s economic and social problems.

“I have said that no election violations should take place,” Tsarukyan said. “Everyone should know that when Tsarukyan says something, he stands by it.”

The Prosperous Armenia leader also emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relations with Russia, arguing that Armenia could not afford hostility toward Moscow given its economic and geopolitical position.

“We do not have the option of becoming enemies with Russia, otherwise the consequences will be very severe,” he said.

Tsarukyan questioned whether Europe could offer Armenia a viable economic alternative, saying Russia had already restricted access to its market while European countries were grappling with their own internal challenges.

“Today Europe cannot even resolve its own problems,” he said. “We must act wisely and proceed from the interests of our country.”

He said Armenians were looking for change and economic improvement, and argued that his party had the resources, expertise and international connections necessary to implement large-scale development projects aimed at boosting tourism, strengthening the economy and improving living standards.

“We are telling the people to expect positive changes,” Tsarukyan said. “People will live better.”