Gagik Tsarukyan Leads Major Yerevan Rally, Says Armenians Have Become Disappointed After Eight Years of Pashinyan Rule

The opposition Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) staged a major campaign rally in Yerevan on Thursday, as supporters marched from the Matenadaran manuscript repository to Freedom Square ahead of Armenia’s parliamentary elections on June 7.

Addressing the crowd, BHK leader Gagik Tsarukyan sharply criticized Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his government, arguing that public frustration has deepened after eight years of rule during economic hardship and political tensions.

"After waiting for eight years, the people have become disappointed," Tsarukyan told supporters, claiming that many Armenians are afraid to openly express their views out of concern for their jobs and personal freedoms. He accused the government of creating a climate of fear and intimidation, allegations authorities have consistently denied.

Tsarukyan also focused on regional security and the ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, rejecting what he described as a "dictated peace" and expressing concern over discussions related to the potential return of Azerbaijanis to Armenia. Referencing statements made by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev regarding what Baku calls "Western Azerbaijan," Tsarukyan urged supporters to oppose any developments he believes could threaten Armenia's national interests.

The billionaire businessman and longtime opposition figure sought to portray himself as motivated by national rather than personal ambitions, telling supporters that he does not seek political office, recognition, or financial gain. He reiterated his long-promoted proposal to build a giant statue of Jesus Christ in Armenia, arguing that the project could attract millions of tourists, boost foreign investment, and strengthen the country's international profile.

Despite describing Armenia's economy as being in a difficult state, Tsarukyan claimed that economic recovery could be achieved rapidly under different leadership. He also alleged that authorities have attempted to pressure him through criminal investigations and legal proceedings, describing the actions as politically motivated.

"They have tried to hurt me, frighten me, and open criminal cases against me," Tsarukyan said, adding that he was prepared to face personal consequences for his political activities.

With just days remaining before voters head to the polls, Tsarukyan declined to identify the Prosperous Armenia Party's candidate for prime minister, saying four potential candidates remain under consideration. He reiterated that he does not personally seek the country's top political office but promised that the party would reveal its decision at the appropriate time.

The rally showed BHK's efforts to reassert itself as a major opposition force in Armenia's increasingly competitive election campaign, where economic concerns, governance, security, and relations with neighboring Azerbaijan remain among the dominant issues shaping public debate.

Armenia’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for June 7, with official campaigning ending on June 5. The vote is widely viewed as one of the most consequential elections since the country’s 2018 Velvet Revolution, taking place amid deep political polarization, continuing debates over Armenia’s security and foreign policy orientation, and ongoing negotiations with Azerbaijan following years of conflict.

Nineteen political forces initially registered to compete in the election, including parties and alliances. One party was later removed from the ballot after its registration was invalidated by Armenia’s Central Electoral Commission, leaving 18 political forces participating in the race.

The election is being closely monitored by domestic observers and the international community amid concerns over increasingly heated political rhetoric, allegations of pressure tactics, and several incidents of campaign-related violence reported during the race.

—

Support independent reporting from the region by subscribing to The Armenian Report. Our team is funded solely by readers like you.