Davit Ananyan writes: “Yesterday was another day of the campaign. We walked around the administrative district of Erebuni, talked with our fellow citizens, presented the plans, distributed our pre-election booklets.

People are different. There are pronounced patriots, there are also sincere defenders of these authorities. However, no matter how different the political ideas are, it is almost always possible to talk and listen to each other, even without agreeing.

And that’s why yesterday’s little episode gave reason to think.

A compatriot of the older generation, in the literal sense of the word, attacked us, fiercely defending the current authorities and Nikol Pashinyan. Any of our attempts to move the conversation into the field of constructive discussion were in vain. He was not listening. He didn’t even try to listen. He just shouted loudly, not giving anyone a chance to speak.

We said good bye and left.

On the way, I thought: what drives some people to such fanatical worship of Nicholas? What makes a person give up debate, the ability to listen, even self-respectful self-restraint?

I had no answer.

Until a little later, we were told that this “uncle” is most likely the father-in-law of CP deputy Hayk Konjoryan.

To be honest, I was happy. If this is true, then many things fall into place. You understand the motivation. You understand that chain of personal interest, connections, systemic dependencies, which is often presented as “ideological loyalty”.

This is the most characteristic tragedy of today’s Nicolaitanism. It has long since ceased to be an idea and, in fact, has become an instinct for the protection of self-interest.”

—