Tsarukyan warns of 'economic war' ahead of vote

Prosperous Armenia Party leader Gagik Tsarukyan on Sunday criticized Armenia’s economic direction and warned against moves that could weaken the country’s trade ties, arguing that the economy is facing serious challenges ahead of the June 7 parliamentary elections.

Speaking during a campaign march in the northern city of Vanadzor, Tsarukyan responded to questions about the possibility of Armenia leaving the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), saying economic policy should not be driven by political or geopolitical considerations.

“The economy sustains the country and feeds the people,” Tsarukyan said. “The economy is neither pro-government nor opposition. It is neither pro-Russian nor pro-Western.”

Tsarukyan said Armenia’s economy was approaching a point of decline and warned of negative consequences for ordinary citizens.

“Who will support these people? Who will feed them? This is not how things should be done,” he said. “They talk about alternatives, but those alternatives will not exist for 10 years. People must understand what the economy is. The economy is not a toy. The time has come to stop telling lies.”

The Prosperous Armenia Party leader also accused the government of failing to deliver on its promises, saying authorities had “boasted about bringing peace” but had instead brought “economic war.”

In a Facebook post summarizing the event, Tsarukyan said residents of Lori Province had united around the goal of opening “a new page” in Armenia’s history through their vote.

He described the atmosphere in Vanadzor as encouraging and said it reflected public support for the party’s plans to pursue economic development, security and improved living standards.

“Your trust is the greatest responsibility for me, and I will preserve and honor it,” Tsarukyan wrote, calling on voters to support positive change.