May 29, 2026
Member of the Executive Body (GM) of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), former First Deputy Minister of Defense Artak Zakaryan writes: “Nikol Pashinyan, who fights for power at all costs, turns any event into his pre-election PR.
The dates of the conference of the European political community and the official visit of President Emmanuel Macron were chosen for this purpose. Of course, it is impressive when high-ranking officials from different countries come and “encourage” Nikoli, without delving into the future problems of Armenia.
The “Touch-and-Go” visit of the Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the memorandum signed on the minerals and rare minerals of Armenia, and then the note of the President Donald Trump also turned into pre-election support. It can also be assumed that official Yerevan asked to make such a note.
The military parade turned into a pre-election exhibition and its presentation was not carried out for the purpose of demonstrating the military power of the state, but for the purpose of propaganda around one person. The entire propaganda text was not aimed at the territorial integrity and inviolability of the state, but the thesis “look how bad the former are and how good Nikol is” was propagated. In fact, the opportune occasion for the ideology of Armenian military parades is the jubilee anniversaries of independence on September 21.
They say that the wine festival of the coming days will also be used for direct and indirect propaganda of Nikol Pashinyan’s personality. Performances of toasts, greetings and dances, clapping and laughter, singing and dancing… In short, dear people, “me kef, me joy” has been given to you by Grandpa Nikol.
All this is understandable. After disasters, wars, human and territorial losses and damages, it is clear that for Nikol Pashinyan and CP, only non-stop shows and large-scale manipulations could provide a smokescreen.
Something is not clear. Why didn’t Nikol Pashinyan go to Astana (from where he received the highest state award “Golden Eagle”) and why didn’t he turn the EATM session into his pre-election PR? Coming back from vacation for a day wasn’t hard.
I have no doubt that if Nikol Pashinyan was sure that he could have pre-election benefit from that session by receiving the kind words and good wishes of the leaders of EAEU member states, he would definitely go.
And the “pioneers” of CP propaganda would talk about another secular and unprecedented diplomatic achievement. They would tell Armenian businessmen how the bravely fighting Pashinyan paves the way to EAEU markets for the welfare of our citizens. So, as they have been doing until today, when Nikol participated in all the meetings of the EAEU.
Doesn’t this mean that Nikol Pashinyan has already lost trust with a part of the outside world that has ties to Armenia, and he knows it? Therefore, what guarantees are there that one fine day, he will not lose credibility with the Western world as well?
Maybe that’s why the US administration has been guided by the pragmatic principle of “rare metals memo in the evening, support in the morning”?
It is difficult to trust the rulers of the country who make contradictory statements and conduct contradictory policies.”
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