Armenian Opposition Accuses Turkey of Interfering in 2026 Elections

Armenia’s political opposition has strongly criticized recent comments by Turkey’s foreign minister, saying they amount to open interference in Armenia’s internal political life ahead of the country’s next parliamentary elections.

The controversy began after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke at a news conference and addressed Armenia’s political situation alongside regional diplomacy. He spoke positively about the current Armenian government’s approach toward Turkey and Azerbaijan and linked that policy to the upcoming elections in Armenia. His remarks quickly drew attention in Yerevan, especially among opposition parties that already accuse Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of making excessive concessions to Ankara and Baku.

Fidan praised the Armenian government’s current course while also saying that Yerevan still needs to take “several things” to finalize the normalization of relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan. He then referred directly to Armenia’s elections, which are expected to take place in early June, and spoke about Pashinyan’s standing in public opinion surveys. He said: “As you know, elections will be held in Armenia in early June. This will also be an important stage. But we see that Mr. Pashinyan is currently leading in opinion polls. We sincerely support his constructive role in this matter. This line, this determination must continue.”

Opposition figures in Armenia interpreted these words as a clear and public endorsement of Pashinyan and his Civil Contract party by Turkey. For them, the statement confirmed long-held fears that Ankara is directly interested in the outcome of Armenia’s elections and prefers the current leadership to remain in power.

Gegham Manukyan of the opposition Hayastan alliance accused Turkey of crossing a red line by involving itself in Armenia’s domestic politics. He said: “Turkey is interfering in Armenia's internal political and electoral affairs and in the formation of its future government.” According to Manukyan, the Armenian authorities are unlikely to object or protest because they rely on Turkey and Azerbaijan for political support ahead of the vote. He argued that both countries would act as “this regime’s lifeline and helper” to ensure its reelection and to allow the current leadership to continue its policies.

Similar concerns were raised by Narek Karapetyan, a leading figure in the Mer Dzevov opposition movement. The movement was recently established by his uncle, jailed billionaire Samvel Karapetyan. Karapetyan directly linked Fidan’s comments to the election process, saying: “The Turkish foreign minister stated that Turkey supports Pashinyan in the 2026 elections.” For opposition activists, such statements reinforce the belief that Armenia’s neighbors are invested in the political survival of the current government.

Government representatives strongly rejected these accusations. Senior figures from the ruling Civil Contract party insisted that Fidan’s remarks were misinterpreted and taken out of context by the opposition. Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan denied that there was any endorsement of Pashinyan or his party. He said that the Turkish foreign minister merely observed that “the public supports the process furthered by the current authorities” and referred to peace efforts in the region, not to a specific candidate or party.

Another pro-government lawmaker, Hasmik Hakobyan, argued that the opposition’s reaction was driven by frustration rather than facts. She said the criticism reflects anger over “positive developments in and around Armenia.” According to Hakobyan, the government’s policies are producing results, and the opposition is struggling to accept that reality.

Opposition lawmakers rejected this explanation. Kristine Vardanyan questioned why foreign leaders, particularly from Turkey and Azerbaijan, would comment on Armenia’s elections at all. She said: “Why should leaders of foreign countries and especially Azerbaijan and Turkey be interested in the election of a particular candidate in Armenia? If Armenia’s leadership is beneficial and most preferable for [Azerbaijani President Ilham] Aliyev and [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan, what does that mean? Does that candidate protect Armenian interests? This is the basis of our concerns.”

These statements reflect a deeper political divide in Armenia that has existed for years. Even before Fidan’s comments, opposition forces repeatedly claimed that Turkey and Azerbaijan would do everything possible to help Pashinyan stay in power in the 2026 elections. They argue that the prime minister has made one-sided compromises in relations with both countries in order to secure his position domestically.

Pashinyan and his allies have consistently denied these accusations. They maintain that their policies are aimed at reducing conflict, stabilizing the region, and securing Armenia’s long-term interests. According to the government, engagement with Turkey and Azerbaijan is a necessary step toward peace and economic development, not a political bargain tied to elections.

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