A little while ago, the mass media wrote that Alen Ghevondyan, a political scientist with opposition views, was arrested.
The news was confirmed by the Central Committee.
2 criminal proceedings have been initiated regarding public appeals aimed at usurping the power and overthrowing the constitutional order by force.
According to the reports about the apparent crime received from the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs of the RA Investigative Committee, T.V. and A.G., using information and communication technologies, made public appeals in their Facebook accounts aimed at seizing power and overthrowing the constitutional order by force.
Regarding the reports received, 2 criminal proceedings were initiated in the main department of investigation of crimes against the state, fundamentals of the constitutional order and public security of the RA Investigative Committee, within the framework of which a public criminal prosecution was initiated against T.V. and A.G., under the 2nd part of Article 422 of the Criminal Code (public calls aimed at usurping power and violently overthrowing the constitutional order using information or communication technologies).
Arrest was chosen as a preventive measure against T.V., a search was announced, and A.K. was arrested in order to present a preventive measure against him to the court.
The investigation of the criminal proceedings is ongoing.
It should be noted that T.V. is the RPA activist Tigran Vardanyan.
—
Election results of one more polling station were declared invalid
The Central Electoral Commission informs that the No. 12 Electoral District Electoral Commission declared the voting results of the 12/13 electoral precinct in its service area invalid.
Ballot number 8 was missing in this precinct on the day of voting. According to the decision, the number of voting participants of precinct No. 12/13, 809, was recorded as the sum of inaccuracies.
According to the decision, the other results of the protocol of the polling station, except for the amount of inaccuracies, were recorded as zero.
The materials of the polling station were sent to the prosecutor’s office.
—
Catholicos received the “Caritas Germany” delegation
On June 12, H.E. Karekin the Second Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians received the delegation of the Charity Affairs Commission of the German Episcopal Conference and the organization “Caritas Germany” at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, led by the chairman of the Charity Affairs Commission of the German Episcopal Conference, Archbishop Stefan Burger of Freiburg.
This is reported from the Mother See.
—
The court made a decision to detain Seyran Ohanyan
Armine Navruzyan, spokesperson of the Anti-Corruption Court, told “Azatutyan” that Seyran Ohanyan, accused in the “March 1” case, former Minister of Defense, did not appear at today’s court session. That is why the judge made a decision to detain him.
The second president, Robert Kocharyan, and his former subordinates were acquitted in 2021, when the Constitutional Court recognized as unconstitutional the charge against Kocharyan of subverting the constitutional order.
The Court of Cassation annulled this decision and sent the case to a new examination, by which Kocharyan and his former subordinates were charged with the article of passing official powers, for which the prescribed period of limitation has passed.
—
Questions to the opposition
Yesterday I published a video where I said something very simple. the claim that if the opposition does not take the mandates, Nikol Pashinyan will give them to forces that have not passed the electoral threshold is an absolutely false thesis.
I considered it such a blow to the legitimacy of the elections that I absolutely ruled out such a scenario. Not because I trust Nikol Pashinyan, but because I don’t think that he will take a step that will collapse one of his main political and propaganda pillars, the story about the legitimacy of the elections.
It was in that context that I said the following thought. “Nikol Pashinyan will not break a red line for himself.”
In other words, he will not shoot himself in the foot and destroy the foundations of his own political positioning in the issues that are of fundamental political importance to him, and introducing the forces that have not overcome the electoral threshold by any magic into the National Assembly will put his legitimacy in doubt.
Now I see that some circles are publishing heartbreaking and sad texts, manipulating what I said and trying to present it with a completely different content.
Let me ask you questions about your logic: You say that Nikol Pashinyan has no red lines and can falsify the elections.
In that case, I have a few very simple questions.
Question one. When did that belief emerge: in 2021 or only in 2026?
Second question. If you were convinced that he could rig the elections in 2021, then why did you participate in those elections? And why did you participate now?
Question three. Why did you enter the parliament based on the results of 2021? Were those elections rigged or not? Have you appealed to the Court of Justice?
Question four. If they were forged, why did you take the mandates? If they were not forged, do you consider them legitimate?
Question five. What is the political assessment of the 2026 elections? Are they fake or not?
Question six. If they are falsified, then why are you discussing whether or not to take a mandate? What is there to discuss?
Question seven. If you decide to take the mandates tomorrow, how will you explain it to your voters? And if you don’t take it, what is your plan of action?
While there are no answers to these questions, it would be good to spend less time rewriting other people’s words and more time to finalize your own political logic. I think people are tired of pseudo-patriotic speeches full of pathos and demand objective answers from you. Do not shift the burden from yourself to others.
PS: tell your supporters not to come and appear here and say that you are the author of the new constitution. You are using the thesis of the author of that new constitution as a lifeline right now.
Former RA Minister of Justice Arpine Hovhannisyan
—
Armenia delivers statement on elections at OSCE Permanent Council meeting
The Armenian delegation delivered a statement at the 1,568th meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on the parliamentary elections held in Armenia on June 7, 2026.
Below is the full statement, as published by the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the OSCE.
“On 7 June 2026, elections to the National Assembly were held in the Republic of Armenia. The elections constituted an important exercise of democratic participation and reflected Armenia’s continued commitment to conducting free, fair and transparent electoral processes in line with its international obligations and OSCE commitments.
A total of 2,005 polling stations were established throughout the country, including nine polling stations operating in penitentiary institutions. Particular attention was devoted to ensuring the accessibility of electoral infrastructure and procedures, facilitating the participation of all eligible voters.
The elections were conducted under broad domestic and international observation. The Central Electoral Commission accredited 13 local observer missions and more than 600 observers from eight international observation missions, including the OSCE/ODIHR, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the CIS, the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and the International Organisation of La Francophonie. In addition, members of 35 diplomatic and consular missions accredited in Armenia, as well as representatives of 14 foreign electoral management bodies, followed the elections in observer and visitor capacities.
The electoral process also benefited from extensive media coverage. Seventy-one local media outlets and approximately 180 foreign journalists and media representatives were accredited to cover the elections.
A total of 2,505,228 citizens were eligible to vote. Voter turnout reached 1,477,736, representing 58.94 per cent of the electorate.
According to the preliminary results announced by the Central Electoral Commission, three political forces passed the electoral threshold and will be represented in the National Assembly: the Civil Contract Party, the Strong Armenia Alliance and the Armenia Alliance. The Civil Contract Party secured a parliamentary majority and will form the next Government of the Republic of Armenia.
The official results of the elections will be finalized and formally certified by the Central Electoral Commission on 14 June 2026, in accordance with the Electoral Code.
Mr. Chairman,
The preliminary findings of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission noted that Armenian voters were given, and took, the opportunity to make a genuine choice in a professionally managed election process and a vibrant and pluralistic political environment. Armenia highly values its cooperation with the ODIHR and other international observation missions and remains committed to carefully considering all recommendations aimed at further strengthening electoral processes, democratic institutions and public trust.
Dear colleagues,
The conduct of these elections once again demonstrated both the resilience of Armenia’s democratic institutions and the growing challenges faced by democracies across the OSCE area. As highlighted by the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission, Armenian voters made their choice against the backdrop of unprecedented foreign interference and pressure. Foreign information manipulation and interference, disinformation campaigns, cyber-related threats and other hybrid activities aimed at influencing public opinion, undermining confidence in democratic institutions and polarizing society were actively employed throughout the electoral period. Armenia commends the multidimensional support of like-minded partners for excellent cooperation and support extended.
Importantly, such activities did not cease with the conclusion of voting. They continue in the post-electoral period, seeking to cast doubt on the outcome of the elections, weaken public trust in democratic institutions and deepen societal divisions. Strengthening resilience against these threats remains an important task for all participating States.
In conclusion, I would like to reconfirm the commitment of Armenia to continue strengthening its democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law and safeguarding electoral integrity. These elections represent another important step in the country’s democratic development and reaffirm Armenia’s commitment to democratic governance and the sovereign right of its citizens to determine their future through free and democratic elections. The results of the elections and support to the PM of Armenia clearly demonstrate the will of the people of Armenia to pursue the path of peace and prosperity.”
Published by Armenpress, original at
—
Arrests made in Prosperous Armenia vote-buying probe
Authorities announced several arrests on Friday in an ongoing investigation into alleged vote buying by a representative of the Prosperous Armenia Party.
The Anti-Corruption Committee said in a press release that, according to evidence obtained during the investigation, the suspect, a representative of the party’s regional office in Vanadzor, Lori Province, allegedly bribed voters ahead of the June 7 elections in exchange for votes for the party.
Published by Armenpress, original at
—
Uzbekistan president congratulates Pashinyan on election victory
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the Civil Contract Party’s victory in the June 7 elections.
“I sincerely congratulate you on the victory of the Civil Contract Party, led by you, in the latest parliamentary elections held in the Republic of Armenia,” President Mirziyoyev said in the letter, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
“The election results are a practical confirmation of the high level of trust of the Armenian people in your domestic and foreign policies, including your efforts aimed at ensuring peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus.
I am confident that through our joint efforts we will be able to further expand our mutually beneficial cooperation in the future.
Taking this opportunity, I wish you good health, happiness, and great success in your responsible state activities, and I wish the friendly people of Armenia peace and prosperity.”
Published by Armenpress, original at
—
Azerbaijan earthquake felt across Armenia
A 5.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Azerbaijan on Friday was felt across Armenia, authorities reported.
The Seismic Protection Regional Service of the Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs located the earthquake 52 km south-east of the Azerbaijani town of Shaki. It was felt at an intensity of 3–4 on the MSK scale in the Armenian provinces of Tavush, Gegharkunik, and Syunik. No damages were reported.
Published by Armenpress, original at
—
What Hungary’s guest worker restriction against Philippines, Georgia, and Arme
What Hungary’s guest worker restriction against the Philippines, Georgia, and Armenia really means
While one key permit category has effectively closed to new applicants, foreign workers can still legally enter the country under alternative visa routes. However, these remaining avenues involve significantly stricter requirements and longer processing times.
The core policy change
The Hungarian government has ended an expedited recruitment process previously used by staffing agencies to hire workers from the Philippines, Georgia, and Armenia. According to government spokesperson Vanda Szondi, these new rules took effect last Friday, as reported by Reuters.
While officials have framed the move as a broad crackdown, the regulation strictly targets the residence permit for guest workers.
Crucially, it does not affect the residence permit for the purpose of employment. This alternative route remains fully available. Furthermore, the new rules do not impact foreign workers already living and working in Hungary under existing guest worker permits, who remain eligible to apply for extensions.
Comparing two immigration pathways
Hungarian law distinguishes between the residence permit for guest workers, and the residence permit for the purpose of employment, according to the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Országos Idegenrendészeti Főigazgatóság – OIF), the government immigration authority responsible for managing the entry, stay, and residency of foreign nationals in Hungary.
The guest worker residence permit is strictly intended to address temporary labor shortages in lower- and mid-skilled roles, primarily within the manufacturing, logistics, and construction sectors. Workers are brought in through licensed temporary work agencies or specific preferential employers.
The visa is restricted to citizens of specifically designated countries and is granted for a strictly limited period with maximum stay requirements. It does not provide any pathway to permanent residency. Historically, this was an expedited and simplified process, making it the primary mechanism for agencies to recruit large volumes of foreign labor quickly.
In contrast, the employment-purpose residence permit is designed for more stable or highly skilled positions. A much broader range of Hungarian employers can sponsor workers under this category, rather than just specialized staffing agencies.
While it is initially issued for a fixed term of up to two years, it can be continually renewed as long as the employment conditions are maintained. Most importantly, years spent living in Hungary under this permit contribute toward eligibility for a permanent national residence card. However, securing this permit is a significantly more complex process that requires extensive documentation and longer processing periods.
|
A square in Hungary’s capital city of Budapest in 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Hung |
Filipino workers to feel the heaviest impact
In practice, these restrictions will disproportionately affect workers from the Philippines.
In July 2024, Hungary designated 10 countries whose citizens were eligible for guest worker permits. By December that year, the government had reduced that list to just three: the Philippines, Georgia, and Armenia.
Because relatively few workers historically arrive from Georgia and Armenia, industry observers say the latest measures almost exclusively block recruitment from the Philippines, according to Daily News Hungary.
Large labor leasing companies heavily relied on this specific pipeline to supply workers to Hungary’s manufacturing sector.
While official statistics cited by Reuters indicate that foreign workers account for just 2% of Hungary’s total workforce, specific sectors like services and manufacturing remain heavily dependent on them.
The government has characterized these recent reforms as merely the first step in a planned long-term labor strategy.
Heavier burden for employers
Recruitment experts interviewed by the Hungarian news outlet Telex emphasized that relying solely on the remaining employment-purpose permit will be incredibly cumbersome for businesses.
Péter Bogdanovits, managing director of the recruitment firm Aarenson Consulting, warned that the standard process can be so lengthy and complicated that employers may find it entirely impractical for addressing immediate labor shortages.
He argued that because Hungary will undoubtedly continue to need foreign workers, the economy would benefit far more from a predictable regulatory framework than from frequent, sweeping policy shifts.
Proponents of the change argue that the stricter screening process, while resulting in more rejected applications, will strengthen national oversight by ensuring applicants genuinely intend to integrate and work in Hungary.
—