Levon Ter-Petrosyan Plots Political Comeback to Challenge Pashinyan in 2026 Elections

Armenia’s first president, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, is expected to take on a serious role in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7, 2026. The announcement was made by Levon Zurabyan, vice-chairman of the Armenian National Congress (ANC), during public remarks and recent interviews.

Zurabyan said that while elections are important, they should not be seen as the only objective. According to him, the main goal is to create a new political alternative for the Armenian people—one that is built on a clear program and a strong sense of unity. This, he explained, would allow for the launch of a wider nationwide movement.

He pointed out that the ANC has a long history of political involvement, from leading Armenia to independence to governing the country for seven years. The party, he argued, has also played a big role in shaping political life in later years. Zurabyan stressed that Ter-Petrosyan, as Armenia’s founding president, carries responsibility for the country’s trajectory, especially since later leaders strayed from the path of securing peace from a position of strength.

“Today we see the miserable condition of our country, how it has gone through heavy defeats and losses. In such circumstances, neither the founding president nor the political force he leads can remain indifferent,” Zurabyan said.

He further argued that no existing party in Armenia currently has the strength or momentum to build such a movement alone. Instead, the ANC is ready to work with others, but only on realistic and pragmatic grounds. According to Zurabyan, the goal is not to pursue a false peace but to establish a real plan for Armenia’s security and future.

That plan, he explained, should be based on geopolitical balance and focus not only on peace but also on development. Proposals include the construction of a railway from Yerevan through Meghri, improved automobile infrastructure, cable communication systems, and strong investments in advanced technologies. Zurabyan said that Armenia must secure leading positions in specific technological fields in order to remain competitive in the global economy.

At the same time, Zurabyan expressed concern over what he sees as weakening democratic processes in Armenia. He argued that democracy must be strengthened if the country is to move forward.

Alongside these statements, Zurabyan also made it clear that the ANC will not form any political alliance with the forces led by former presidents Robert Kocharyan or Serzh Sargsyan. Speaking at parliamentary hearings on September 26, he said: “To avoid various interpretations, gossip, and rumors, I am stating right away: the Armenian National Congress does not intend to form an alliance or a united political movement with either Robert Kocharyan’s or Serzh Sargsyan’s political forces.”

He explained that the removal of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan remains a major issue for many people in Armenia. However, he insisted that change will only be possible if there is credible leadership and a clear vision.

“There were movements, large numbers of people gathered, but nevertheless, there was no change of power. Why? Because people do not want to flee from a dog only to end up in a wolf’s mouth,” Zurabyan said.

According to him, Pashinyan’s removal will only be possible once a nationwide movement with broad support and serious leadership is formed. “In that case, the issue of removal will become solvable either through impeachment or through snap elections,” he added.

As Armenia prepares for the 2026 parliamentary elections, the ANC’s positioning suggests that Levon Ter-Petrosyan and his political team intend to play a central role in shaping both the electoral process and the broader political landscape.

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